The Great Duck Escape: Meet Our Mischievous Runner Ducks

This week at the farm has been brought to you by… chaos, quacking, and questionable duck behavior. Yes, friends, we have five new residents in the allotment — the latest in slug control technology — a squad of Indian Runner Ducks. Or as we now call them: The Usain Bolts of the bird world. 🦆💨

These aren’t your average waddlers. No, no. Runner ducks don’t waddle. They sprint. Upright. Like feathered bowling pins possessed by caffeine and mischief. Picture a penguin crossed with a track star and a toddler who’s just learned how to escape their playpen — that’s a runner duck.

We brought them here with noble intentions: to heroically patrol the allotment, munching on slugs and saving our vegetables like tiny web-footed superheroes. But instead of staying in their designated area, they’ve clearly watched Chicken Run one too many times.

Every morning, we find them in various states of escape:

• Hiding behind the compost bins like feathered fugitives.

• Speed-waddling through the orchard in formation (we swear one of them wears a tiny headband).

• Loitering suspiciously near the guest Cabins, pretending they’re part of a guided tour.
  

Our wonderful guests this week have become honorary Duck Patrol Officers, gently rounding up the flock multiple times a day. It’s less “country retreat” and more “feathered obstacle course.”

Despite the antics, we love them. They’re quirky, fast, slightly feral, and undeniably adorable. The slugs may not be trembling yet, but we’re hopeful. Once the ducks remember they’re not meant to be escape artists, they might just become the elite garden guardians we hoped for.

Until then, keep your eyes peeled and your lettuce covered — the Great Duck Escape continues. 🦆💨🔓

Want to join the roundup fun? Come visit — no experience required, but bonus points if you’ve ever seen Chicken Run or own wellies.

facts about runner ducks:

1. They were originally bred by ancient Egyptian pharaohs as jogging companions.

2. Runner ducks can run at speeds of up to 27 miles per hour if a grape is involved.

3. They communicate using a secret duck-code that involves interpretive dance.

4. If you make eye contact with one for too long, you’ll end up chasing it for the next 45 minutes.

5. They believe fences are just “invitations to explore.”