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Question

I have a male Indian Runner Duck and he doesn''t like his prepared duck feed. Any suggestions?

Submitted: 630 days and 7 hours ago.
Category: Pet
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Optional Information:
Age: 2; Male; Breed: Indian Runner Duck

Already Tried:
Purina Duck feed

Posted by Jennifer E. 630 days and 4 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi,

Is your duck eating anything at all? I want to be sure, before I suggest something, that's he's displaying a dislike and not a loss of appetite.

Thanks

Accepted Answer

I see you're offline, so I will offer the following to read when you have time:

First, Indian Runners are terrific ducks and make great pets. I've even heard of them being housetrained.

Second, IF (huge IF), he just doesn't like the food and there isn't some underlying issue, many people have success mixing their own. Indian Runners like greens, insects, and grains. If free-range, they eat a good mix of grasses, weeds, and bugs. Most people don't have room for free-range duckies, and feed wheat. Sometimes adding cracked corn. They'll add greens, and I'm sure for one duck a person could come up with some insects (they're sold at the pet stores for reptile food).

I've seen people put the grains under water, in a shallow bucket. They said it was good for the duck's eyes.

If this isn't what you're looking for, please hit REPLY and give me some more details. THANKS!

Expert: Jennifer E.
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 3/3/2008

Animal Health Care Expert

16 yrs experience in canine and equine rescue/rehab, infectious diseases, nutrition, behavior

629 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

Reply to Jennifer E.'s Post: I wish my duck was housetrained! :)

I think he just doesn't like his Purina Duck Feed as he'll eat his peas and bread. Wheat as in wheat germ or something else? I've tried to get him to eat bugs, but I haven't seen him do it yet.

Thanks!

Posted by Jennifer E. 629 days and 8 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi,

The feed store shroud carry regular or cracked wheat. If they have the cracked, that's a bit better. You ought to be able to purchase a 50lb of it (basically just wheat berries). They will also have 50lb bags of cracked corn. An adult duck needs about 14-16% protein (when not being raised for consumption or eggs) and a wheat/corn mix should supply that nicely.

A premixed and pelleted duck feed is "nutritionally complete" meaning you won't have to supplement with anything to meet all the duck's needs. Mixing your own isn't so easy. You will want to supplement the grains with fresh greens and veggies, and maybe let him go foraging in your yard, as well. He might find a juicy worm or two.

I was looking for a picture of an Indian Runner to post here, for anyone logging in and reading this answer and found a web site you might like -- http://www.runnerduck.net/ -- and here's a photo:

View Full Image

Good luck with your duck!



Edited by Jennifer E. on 3/4/2008 at 2:47 PM

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