ChrisEllis Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Just got our new ducks, 3 indian runners, 1 boy 2 girls, Black, Cumberland Blue and Magpie, they were very frightened though scattering all over the place, but we managed to get them in the coop after about half hour of calmly getting them - was astonished that the ojnly real way to pick an indian runner duck up is by their wings, did anyone else know that? I managed to do it but it felt quite awkard, does anyone know how to pick them up as in a certain way in more detail so i know how to do it proper Might post some pictures tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miller30 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Hi i pick my indian runner ducks up the same way i do my chickens just put my hands over their wings and then when ive picked them up stick them under my arm if that makes sense but maybe easier as mine are tame if they dont want to be picked up i just walk them into a corner so they have no where to go and then just pick them up when i get new ducks or new chickens i always put them straight into their house for a couple of hours or if its late all night because they are always frightned and when its bedtime they bolt from you as they dont know where to go you can pick them up by their wings but i dont because it doesnt look very nice leanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 We pick ours up in the same way as we do our hens as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisEllis Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share Posted January 24, 2010 Hi i pick my indian runner ducks up the same way i do my chickens just put my hands over their wings and then when ive picked them up stick them under my arm if that makes sense but maybe easier as mine are tame if they dont want to be picked up i just walk them into a corner so they have no where to go and then just pick them up when i get new ducks or new chickens i always put them straight into their house for a couple of hours or if its late all night because they are always frightned and when its bedtime they bolt from you as they dont know where to go you can pick them up by their wings but i dont because it doesnt look very nice leanne. Yh, i think my mistake was letting them outside fr a bit - should have put them straight into the coop so tey settled had a nap etc. i still dont get hw to hold them - dont you put your ahnds under their wings and hold them by the wing close to their body - as their rib cages are so sensitive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 You mean hold on to their actual wings? Is that what the breeder said, I'd think that could do some damage I pick them up with their wings tucked to their body, the same as a chicken - the only difference being watch out that their feet don't scratch you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisEllis Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share Posted January 24, 2010 Well he said he had been a breeder since he was 7 - went to where he keeps his chickens and ducks and there were well over 500 and he said that was only a quarter of what he had - hes a professional - aparentely, their rib cage is very delicate - if you hld them it stops them from breathing well whereas birds are ment to be flighty, and hlding them by the wing with your hand underneath by the joints is perfect as it is just like how they fly - they are used to (as a general bird) to be in the air supported by their wings, therefore holding them by their wings (in the correct wya) is the safest and least harmful way - he showed me, the duck was still for around 10 minutes while he was explaining, no fuss no sign of upset. Quite intruiging and logical when you think about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisEllis Posted January 25, 2010 Author Share Posted January 25, 2010 why the confused face? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 27, 2010 Share Posted January 27, 2010 I've seen Indian Runner ducks carried by their wings at shows, I'm not sure if its correct but they certainly seemed ok, they arent carried by their wing tips, but much closer to the body so it doesnt seem as bad in real life as it sounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 i normally get the by the sholders to stop them flapping and running off, then pick them up like i do my chooks. then hold them under the arm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
