Indian Runner Duck

Basic Information:

Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus

Habitat: Indian runner ducks are a species of domesticated duck, originating from the Indonesian islands of Lombok, Malaya, Java, and Bali.

Diet: Indian runner ducks are foragers and subsist on a diet of plants, grains and small insects and invertebrates. 

Size: 1.5 to 2.5 feet long / 2.5 to 3.3 foot wingspan

Weight: 3 to 5 pounds

Lifespan: 6 to 10 years

Distribution Map:

I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:

What does this mean?

Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.

Our Indian Runner Ducks:

Mallary (Female) – Estimated Birthdate June 24th, 2020

Tag-a-long (Male) – Estimated Birthdate July 11th, 2020

Did You Know?!

  • Indian runner ducks are sometimes called “penguin” or “bowling pin” ducks because of the way they stand and walk.
  • Indian runner ducks were bred to use on farms for eating and for their plumage. Since they were bred with human interests in mind, Indian Runner ducks were bred not to fly. Of course, they can run.
  • Indian runner ducks lay a large amount of eggs each year— anywhere from 150 to over 200. Mothers do not typically brood, or sit, on their own eggs, however.
  • The eggs of Indian runner ducks are typically colored white or light green.
  • Indian runner ducks come in a variety of colors including white, black, tan, and a bluish-slate grey color.
  • Both the Aflac duck and Ferdinand from Babe are Indian Runner ducks.

Due to needing time to set up for our Wine in the Wilderness Event, on June 3rd the zoo will be closing to the public at 1pm! We will reopen our doors at 6pm for the event! Event tickets will still be purchasable at our gift shop during this time!