[SarahJC]

I'm seriously considering getting some runners. Have loved them for years!

I've been having a read up and quite a few places say they don't need a pond and only need a bucket to dunk their heads in. Does anyone with runners find this is all they need? I would have no problem with giving them somewhere to swim, but wouldn't want to create a pond and have it sit idle.

I've seen runners swimming with other breeds when visiting farm parks.

Thanks for the help 

[daisy1990]

my friend rescues and re-homes rabbits and ducks for the RSPCA and she just has a childs paddling pool for the runner ducks and they seem perfectly content with it- they are lovely but do make a mess!

[Madclucker]

i have three khaki campbells and a call duck and they all love a good swim in there corner bath. They spend hours in there splashing around and diving, it is really amusing to watch. I would give them somewhere to swim, but be warned the water will need changing once per week if you dont have a running supply/filter.

[SarahJC]

Thanks for the replies 

I've been looking at a lovely runner duck called Darwin on You Tube and he's having a splash about in some water 

My niece has ducks (call ducks and mini crested and mini Appleyards), so I'm aware of the changing of the water 

[Lynnette Gibbs]

Hi Sarah, I've just been reading your chat from 2yrs ago. I've just noticed bubbles in my 18wk old chickens eye. I was searching the internet for info & come across you. I was just wondering what the outcome was. I have put antibiotics in the water but she seems to be getting worse. 1 of her eyes has completely shut now & I dont think the other 1 is far behind. I was wondering if what you did worked. Cheers Lynnette.

[joyfull]

Lynnette, what antibiotics have you been using and for how long? Did you get these off the vet? If you did then the vet would have given you a good idea what was wrong. Some antibiotics work for some illnesses and others are better for other stuff. I keep chickens and guinea fowl (previously had ducks) and have had several different antibiotics prescribed in the past including some that could be used together for a stubborn infection with 2 off my birds.
Welcome by the way - why not nip over to our welcome section and introduce yourself to everybody 

[Sassy]

You do see advice about some breeds of duck only needing a bucket of water. If you see ducks on a clean pond they love it. I know 3 people with Runners and they all swim, a lot, and without exception. Do provide the pond or an equivalent. I use an old sandpit I got from Freecycle for my Campbells