Non-flying ducks and their desire to fly

[Ducktown]

Here's the thing, I have 3 Indian runner ducks which are not supposed to fly - at all. During their 7 months or so, they had shown extreme desire to fly and on several occasions, I have noticed they can lift off and fly 3 meters above ground, possibly higher. Longest distance so far was today, when one of them flew 2.5 meters above ground around 60 meters far away, then she landed right next to a fence and walked with her companions towards the pond.

Things I have noticed that make me believe they have strong desire to fly.

- In windy weather, they often jumped into the air flapping with their wings, trying to catch the feeling of flying.
- Once, when scared, one of the ducks took off the ground vertically and flew over a bamboo that is roughly 3 meters tall. She crash-landed and was very funny, because she had to flap her wings ferociously to achieve that.
- On multiple occasions, I have seen them jump up into the air and fly a couple of meters away from the pond flying into the water.
- When there's a lot of rain and it can't drain fast enough, they love to run and fly just an inch or so above ground and slide on the puddle. Usually all three at the same time. Funny!
- ...

They are not fat and they roam around searching for their own food most of the time. They are relatively small, because they were raised in a farm with many ducks with (I suspect) limited feed supply. They are in fit condition and that may be the main factor regarding their flying success stories. It is strange to me, that they are so eager to try it. Is it common for the non-flying ducks to have flight-wish?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think all ducks would love to fly if they could that is probably why they try it so often One of my Runners flew over our 4' fence there she stood out in the driveway. She was up on the bank behind our home when she did it. That was about a year and a half ago never since. My Muscovy's love to fly I have to clip their wings.

Did you get your drake?

 

[Ducktown]

Not yet. They have him in a pen and he's going to be hard to catch, I guess. I don't want to stress him when he gets here too much, so I'll wait for the new year's to pass and people that like to make noise, love explosions and rockets stop shooting their money into the air. Then I'll have to make them a temporary pen for a week or so, hens don't need it.

I'll also try to get my hands on a couple of fertile eggs. No one has them during the winter. :/
I need to "create" a domesticated drake that will (with some luck) become a bit like the one I had.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If your girls are relaxed around you he may pick up on them. I hope so. My Runners are skiddish even though I have had them since they hatched. A few will eat out of my hand but it's like hit and run. lol

 

[Ducktown]

They are cautious but will come after me if they feel they will benefit from it.
If i herd them, they are 0% afraid and 100% bullheaded. Just like my drake taught them. If they don't want to go, they will preen an do everything else even if I almost whip them with the stick. I move slowly, ofc, don't want to give them cardiac arrest. They slowly go into their hut, probably thinking they will take even more time the following night.
I think if everything goes smoothly, and as it went so far, there shouldn't be any problems. When duck changes environment, it seeks safety and company. He will find it with the three hens that are already well adapted.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Look forward to seeing him when you bring him home.

 

[Table4Six]

If your girls are relaxed around you he may pick up on them. I hope so. My Runners are skiddish even though I have had them since they hatched. A few will eat out of my hand but it's like hit and run. lol

All four of my runner girls will let me hand feed them and my blue runner lets come right up and hold her.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That is awesome I do believe it has something to do with mama raised or brooder raised Mine were with mamas till 4-5 weeks old.

 

[Table4Six]

Not yet. They have him in a pen and he's going to be hard to catch, I guess. I don't want to stress him when he gets here too much, so I'll wait for the new year's to pass and people that like to make noise, love explosions and rockets stop shooting their money into the air. Then I'll have to make them a temporary pen for a week or so, hens don't need it.

I'll also try to get my hands on a couple of fertile eggs. No one has them during the winter. :/
I need to "create" a domesticated drake that will (with some luck) become a bit like the one I had.

In winter here in FL I have 3 possibly four scovy hens laying clutches and one is already setting and her eggs should be hatching soon. What kind of fertile duck eggs are you looking for?

 

[Table4Six]

That is awesome I do believe it has something to do with mama raised or brooder raised Mine were with mamas till 4-5 weeks old.

I was their mom through the whole process of raising them, so they don't mind me being close to them. Even the Jumbo Pekin drake I rescued lets me hold him as long as I have treats, lol.