Chocolate Runner Ducklings

Chocolate Runner Ducklings

Chocolate Runner ducklings are charming, upright little birds known for their comical stance and energetic personalities. These ducklings grow into sleek, vertical-bodied ducks that resemble walking penguins—an amusing and endearing sight in any backyard or farmyard.

Chick Appearance:

•Color: Rich chocolate-brown down, sometimes with lighter bellies or facial highlights.

•Build: Slender and upright, with long necks and narrow bodies even as ducklings.

•Feet & Bill: Typically darker-colored bill and legs, matching their plumage tone.

Adult Characteristics:

•Coloring: Deep, velvety chocolate-brown feathers with a lighter underbelly.

•Posture: Classic “runner” upright stance, giving them a tall, vertical silhouette.

•Size: Medium-sized duck, lean and lightweight; they weigh around 3.5–4 lbs when mature.

Temperament:

•Active and busy — constantly foraging and exploring.

•Friendly and social, especially when raised with human interaction.

•Generally quiet compared to other duck breeds, making them suitable for urban or suburban areas.

Egg Production:

•Excellent layers of 100–180 white to bluish-tinted eggs per year.

•Begin laying around 5–6 months old.

•Known for consistent laying and high productivity.

Utility & Uses:

•Egg production: One of the best egg-laying duck breeds.

•Pest control: Excellent foragers that help manage insects and weeds.

•Ornamental & fun: Their unique stance and coloring make them a joy to watch.

Care Tips:

•Need safe, predator-proof housing.

•Prefer access to fresh water for drinking and dabbling (but don’t require swimming water to thrive).

•Thrive in flocks and do best when raised with companions.