Granty Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Hi, I am thinking of hatching some Indian runners next spring. Can anyone pass on any advice or tips on keeping Indian runners. I have experience of keeping hens but not ducks - I am aware of their basic requirements but any furtehr information would be greatly appreciated. Can anyone recommend a seller of Indian runner hatching eggs. Granty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Hello - a look around the poultry forums should help you find hatching eggs. I would say try to find a seller local to you so that you can collect in person. I've twice bought hen eggs from Ebay and had problems and I wouldn't do it again - most Ebay sellers are insistent that you can only leave feedback for packaging and speed of delivery and not for any fertility or related problems and some of them use this to their own advantage. Ducks need clean water every day - at least enough to dunk their heads to prevent eye infections. You will find plenty to read on here about peoples ponds and housing. We have a small pond but also use a drinker fitted with a guard to prevent the ducks trying to swim in it. It is fed by a water butt placed next to it. Ducks need a shallow feeder as they scoop their feed up, not pecking it up like hens. We use a shallow earthenware dish or a wide based dog bowl which they cannot tip up. Use pellets and not mash for ducks - mash will clog their nostrils. The rest is pretty much the same as caring for hens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoejames Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Ooo Indian Runners are gorgeous! You will find some good advice on here, but it's always good to have a good book for these times of 'panic'. I would recommend either: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Domestic-Duck-Chris-Ashton/dp/1847970508/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288337422&sr=1-8 or http://www.amazon.co.uk/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Ducks-Holderread/dp/158017258X/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288337422&sr=1-10 They both have excellent practical information. zo x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blues08 Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Try these two for starters:- http://www.waterfowlworld.co.uk/ http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/ Extra bit of advice... be prepared to have aching ribs for all the moments they'll make you laugh!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
