Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs

I think the most asked question so far is "What is the difference between a duck egg and a chicken egg?". The truth is that there really isn't much difference. Indian Runner eggs are not much larger than an extra large chicken egg you would buy at the grocery store. Duck eggs do have a slightly higher fat content, but due to a harder shell can stay refrigerated longer than fresh chicken eggs. Apparently, they are also popular for baking because they have less water content than a chicken egg, which helps baked goods rise. From what I can tell, it looks like most Indian Runner eggs are white.


This picture will give you an idea of the size of an Indian Runner egg in comparison to other eggs:

From left to right: two Rouen eggs; two Cayuga eggs; one Indian Runner egg; one black link chicken egg; two Buff Orpington chicken eggs.

Image from: http://www.smallfarmlife.com/2009/10/03/daily-harvest/

Ducklings First Video!

Here is a video of the ducks chirping away!

Introducing...

Thanks to Chris for Photoshopping our new duck family. Megatron may become Megatronica if things go our way.

The Brooder Box

Last week, we did research and prepared a brooder box for the ducklings' 6 week stay indoors. It is a two layer system (for ease of cleaning) equipped with a 250 watt lamp for warmth and a feather duster for comfort. As you can see, they love to cuddle under the warmth of the feathers.

Their favorite part, however, is the watering hole. Whenever we put fresh water in they get very excited and take turns getting their feet and bills wet. Watching them stretch and shake off is the best part though! Don't worry, we'll get a video soon. 

Day 1

After contemplating the purchase of egg-laying hens for several months, we came to the conclusion that it might be more fun to raise ducks. We were introduced to duck eggs on our 2006 stay in Greece. Ducks seem to have more personality than chickens, so hopefully they will be fun to have around, as well as providing delicious eggs.

After some reading, we decided that the Indian Runner breed would be just right. Indian Runner ducks are a domesticated breed well known for their cartoon-ish looks. They stand straight up with prominent long necks and run very quickly. They are also prolific egg layers - each female can lay anywhere from 200-300 eggs per year.

We left our home for a poultry breeder in Schertz, TX on Saturday afternoon intending to buy 2, but no more than 3, Indian Runner ducks. We got in our car with 6 ducks who are only 2-3 days old, but not before the breeder (Angie) had given us a tour of her yard containing beautiful ducks and chickens of all sizes and breeds. Hopefully, when the ducks are 1-2 months old we will be able to identify their sex and return the males to the breeder.