Indian Runner Ducks have nicknames due to their appearance and posture. They have been called penguin ducks, the flightless running duck and the bowling pin duck. As apparent from the nickname, the Indian runners have a stance and gait similar to that of pigeons. This breed of ducks cannot fly and instead of waddling like other ducks, the Indian Runner walks. It has been called the bowling pin duck because of its upright and long structure with a small head channeling into a thin neck and larger body.

The PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Duck Feeder works on a ‘feed on demand’ basis, which releases small quantities of grain/pellets at a time. If feeding corn, the ¾ inch or 1-inch regulator disc can be used. The 3/8-inch regulator disc from PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Duck Feeder can be used when crumble or milo make up the feed. The automatic feeder helps combat the wastage of feed that used to happen with traditional feeding methods.

The Indian Runner breed is said to have originated in the East Indies. As with most ducks, this breed was developed from the mallard. They have been crossed with many traditional table breeds such as the Aylesbury and the Rouen for vigor. They were used to create many popular breeds like Khaki Campbells and Buff Orpingtons and several other light duck breeds that are often exhibited at poultry shows. The Indian Runners are known to be great layers.

Beatrix Potter's depiction of Jemima Puddle-Duck with a mostly upright, elongated posture is suggestive of an Indian Runner or a derivative. Ferdinand from the 1995 film Babe is an Indian Runner Duck. Though eight varieties are registered by the American Standard of Perfection, including the original fawn and white, as well as white, penciled, black, buff, chocolate, Cumberland blue and gray, many nonstandard colors exist, such as lavender, trout and splashed.