PRACTICAL PETS: Mike Ashton makes a case for Indian Runner Ducks

摘要

By far the most common enquiry we get, at any time of year, is about pet ducks. Most prospective buyers just want ducks as pets. Most concerned duck owners with problems have their birds as pets. And by far the most common breeds for these enquiries are Indian Runners and Call ducks. So what makes these breeds so attractive for pet owners? Call Ducks are cute, small, easy to look after and economical. But they have one or two major disadvantages. They can fly. They are vulnerable to predators (cats,mink, hawks and ravens). If they are pure-bred, exhibition quality, the chances are that they will not lay many eggs; some of these may be infertile, or thin-shelled; and getting them to hatch can be most frustrating. Many die in shell in the incubator,and some fail in the last few days. Incubation humidity and temperature can be critical.