This article is for all those who regularly face annual infestations of the unwelcome slug in their gardens. Slug overpopulation is a sign of an unbalanced ecosystem, which is based on the slug becoming increasingly depleted of natural predators. This means it multiplies and eats everything it can find. You may have tried it before:
- Beer traps
- An orange peel lure
- Pumpkin and zucchini bites
Effective Solution
While these methods may seem effective, they no longer solve what happens to slugs when you catch them. Plus, unless you’re downright adventurous to the point of discomfort, you probably won’t be too keen on hunting them with a flashlight every night in the rain and dark and then wondering what to do with them. However, we have good news for you. There is a solution, and it is an inconspicuous but very useful duck called the Indian Runner. This duck loves slugs and doesn’t destroy the garden, and it also lays eggs which, if you cook them properly, you can definitely use in the kitchen.
About the Indian Runner in a nutshell
Besides the aforementioned, these ducks don’t like swimming, so you don’t have to worry about getting water, nor will they ruin your pond if you were worried about it. You can let them loose practically all over your garden, and the great thing is you don’t have to have loads of them to get rid of slugs. Two ducks for a medium sized garden is perfectly adequate. You’re sure to love them, not only because of their usefulness, but also because of their distinctive character. They will also be a very entertaining companion.
Where to buy them?
It is best to source Indian Runner eggs or already hatched ducklings through a verified breeder to ensure that your ducks are healthy and the eggs have a high hatch rate. You can certainly also get them at a farmers market or poultry farm in your area. If you decide to raise your own, get an incubator and study up on duck hatching. Ducklings hatch around day 25 to 28. And they can take up to 24 hours to hatch, so be patient. Once you see the beak, you can help the chick by gently spoon-feeding it fresh water. This will give it the energy it needs to fully hatch.