Indian Runner duck farming is very common and popular business. Because this breed is highly productive and is very common throughout the world. The breed is native to the Indian-sub-continent and was found on the Indonesian islands of Bali, Java and Lombok.
Although the name of this breed is ‘Indian Runner’, but there is no evidence that they came originally from India. And the breed was probably originated from the East Indies – Java, Lombok and Malaya.
The term ‘Indian’ may well be fanciful, denoting a loading port of the transport by ‘India-men’ sailing ships of the East India Company. And such misname happened with many other waterfowl breeds imported into the America and Europe.
For example, the African goose (which is actually not from Africa), the Muscovy duck (which is actually not from Moscow) and the Black East Indian duck (which is actually not from India).
The Indian Runner duck is a very old breed and it has a long history as evidenced by ancient Javan Temple carvings. Which indicates that the Indian Runner type ducks existed in Indo China, 2000 years ago.
And people in this area have been raising ducks for hundreds of years. And they trained their ducks to forage on the paddy fields and look for grain, weed seeds, insects, snails, small reptiles, larvae etc.
The Indian Runner duck became popular in America and Europe towards the end of the 19th Century, as a good egg laying duck breed. And today the breed is still a very good eggs layer.
Today, the Indian Runner ducks are mainly raised for their eggs production. And many other good modern duck breeds have been created from the Indian Runner ducks.
However, the Indian Runner ducks are excellent egg layers. They generally lay up to 250 eggs per year. So starting a commercial Indian Runner duck farming business for eggs production can be profitable. And you can also sell the ducks for meat after they have stopped laying eggs.
How to Start Indian Runner Duck Farming
The Indian Runner ducks are very strong, hardy and productive birds. They generally require less caring and other management. So, starting Indian Runner duck farming business is relatively easy and simple.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Indian Runner duck farming business from purchasing ducks to caring and marketing.
Purchase Ducks
First of all, try to purchase very good quality, healthy and disease free ducks from any of your nearest poultry market or existing Indian Runner duck farms.
The Indian Runner ducks are very common and highly available throughout the world. So you will probably be able to easily purchase these ducks. You can also search your local online classified websites.
Housing
A good housing not only helps the ducks to stay healthy, but also helps them to stay free from all types of predators and adverse weather conditions. So try to make a good, comfortable and safe house for your ducks.
Install good ventilation system while building the house, and ensure flow of sufficient fresh air and light inside the house. As a light breed, on average a mature Indian Runner duck will require between 3 and 4 square feet housing space.
Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. And you should clean the house on a regular basis for keeping the house healthy for the ducks.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with high quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Indian Runner duck farming business. So always try to feed your ducks with enough good and nutritious food. And never feed them with polluted or contaminated feeds.
For commercial Indian Runner duck farming business, you can feed your ducks with ready-made/commercial layer duck feeds or poultry feeds. And always provide them with enough clean and fresh water as per their demand.
Breeding
The Indian Runner ducks are naturally very good breeders. So you don’t have to worry much about breeding. Just keeping a good ratio of male and female ducks will be enough. For successful breeding results, keep one male duck with around 10 female ducks.
Caring
The Indian Runner ducks are very strong and hardy birds, and they generally require less caring and other management. Although taking additional caring will ensure good growth and also good health of the birds. Vaccinate your ducks timely and always keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Marketing
Marketing duck’s products is not a problem. Both meat and eggs of ducks have very good demand and value in the market. So you will probably be able to easily sell the products in your local market. Although, you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Indian Runner duck farming business. Hope this guide has helped you! Good luck & may God bless you!
