Important information about posture:
Before bringing these lively birds into your garden, there are a few things to consider. As their name suggests, these birds are very active and should be given an area of around 500 square meters per pair. They particularly enjoy bushes or trees where they can seek refuge. The property should be surrounded by a sufficiently high and dense fence to prevent unwanted escape attempts or attacks by predators.
A coop for the night is definitely necessary to protect the ducks from the cold or from predators such as martens or foxes.
A coop area of one to two square meters per pair of ducks is sufficient. The coop should also be wind- and rainproof and lined with soft bedding such as straw, sawdust, or hay. A clever design, such as removable walls, makes regular cleaning of the duck coop easier.
In terms of food, runner ducks naturally have a preference for snails, but these lively ducks also enjoy leftover lettuce and greens. Ready-mixed feed such as "Grain Mix for Poultry" from pet stores is an ideal addition to their diet, especially in winter.
Runner ducks don't thrive in solitude and isolation. For this reason, you should always keep at least a pair, or even better, a small group, to ensure the birds have a happy life in your garden.
Once the time has come and you've decided to buy, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you shouldn't buy chicks younger than eight weeks old, as the sex can only be determined at this point. Furthermore, you should avoid buying siblings, as this risks inbreeding.
It's best to acquire these fast-running ducks in the fall. It's also important to find out exactly where the animals come from, as well as any necessary vaccinations and deworming. Prices for purebred and ringed ducks range from approximately five euros per chick, 15 euros for one-year-old drakes, and 20 euros for one-year-old ducks.
