Get rid of slugs in your garden effortlessly with the Indian Runner Duck.
Text and photos: Mathilde Bouvier
If you're considering adding one to your garden, rest assured it's low-maintenance. All it needs is a green space, a pond, a small shelter for evenings, or a secure barnyard.
Indian Runner Ducks are remarkably resourceful foragers. While you can supplement with pellets, they're tireless hunters. Released into your garden, they immediately seek out slugs—even the tiniest and most elusive ones, day or night. Studies show they can devour nearly 20 slugs per day.
Another key benefit: their lightweight build and wide-set webbed feet let them navigate gardens and veggie patches without damage. Unlike chickens, they don't scratch soil or uproot seedlings, leaving your space pristine while providing effective pest control.
The origins of the Indian Runner Duck remain somewhat mysterious—likely from Asia, possibly China, India, or Malaysia, before gaining popularity in England. You'll spot them commonly during trips to these regions, where they've long been favored for breeding.
