If you’re a duck admirer, you must have known about the elegant Rouens. They’re probably one of the finest French ducks and are popular across the world for appearing in different duck exhibitions.
Amongst so many British and American duck breeds, I’m pretty sure you barely have heard of any other breed. The Rouen duck tales start in the French countryside, from the city of Rouens. A duck breed that has some industrial value in terms of meat production is not a bad egg layer. And surely add charms in the backyard; you must adore them!
To know everything about the Rouen duck breed, you have to go through this study. I’ll try to cover up all the common things and surprising facts about these French waterfowl.
Table of Contents
Rouen Duck Breed in A Nutshell
Let’s start with the basics:
| Scientific Name | Anas platyrhynchos domesticus |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Origin | France (American Standard: 1874) |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Subspecies | Domesticated |
| Varieties | Standard and Miniature |
| Purpose | Dual-purpose: Meat and Eggs |
| Distributions | Worldwide |
| Reproduction | Broody, 28 days incubation |
| Lifespan | 8 – 12 years |
Origin and History of Rouen Ducks
As I have said before, the French countryside is where the story of the Rouen Duck begins. These stunning waterfowl have quite the origin tale to share.
Rouen French Connection
We all know France is renowned for its culinary delights, and it’s no surprise that the Rouen Ducks belong there.
Anyway, Rouen Ducks are not your everyday ducks. They are like the fancy cousins of the common Mallard. Yes, you heard it right; they are a domesticated subspecies of the Mallard, the same duck you have seen across tranquil ponds.
The Rouen Renaissance
In the lively town of Rouen, France, the special Rouen Duck found its name and home. Rouen’s charming streets and riverside not only inspired the name but also shaped their characteristics.
With their big bodies and colorful feathers, they became quite local celebrities, carefully bred for their looks and usefulness.
A Transatlantic Journey
In the mid-1800s, emigrants and explorers ventured across the Atlantic to the United States. Guess what? They brought along a piece of pan-France heritage, the Rouen Duck. Soon, these ducks made their grand entrance into American farms.
Since then, Rouen Ducks have been making waves in the American agricultural scene, showing their versatility and, of course, their delightful presence. In research performed by Oklahoma State University, the Rouen Duck demand seems to be growing faster, especially in the Restaurant business.
The Attractive Physical Appearance Of Rouen Ducks
Let’s have a look at the distinctive appearance of baby Rouens, Drakes, And female Rouens.
Drake (Male Rouen Ducks)
Rouen drakes make a grand statement with their emerald green heads, deep yellow bills, and vibrant plumage. Their orange feet and shanks, coupled with black eyes, add a touch of elegance.
The upper neck, tail, and head showcase their striking emerald hue, while the lower neck and breast sport a rich dark brown. Their body is full of graceful grays, accented with a white neckband and eye-catching white and blue wing crosses.
Female Rouen Ducks
Female Rouen Ducks are a vision of beauty, with a mahogany coat, brown crowns, and tan eye stripes extending from the eyes to the bill. While they share some similarities with female Mallards, their deeper brown shade sets them apart.
Both exhibit vibrant, bright blue speculum feathers, but female Rouens tend to be larger and more colorful. They also flaunt unique penciling patterns on various feathers throughout their body.
Ducklings (Baby Rouen Ducks)
Baby Rouen ducklings are distinguishable from Mallards by a second stripe beneath their eyes. Their plumage echoes the colors of their adult counterparts.
Remember, adult Rouen ducks are notably larger than Mallards. Occasionally, you may spot various color variations like Pastel, Fawn, Blue, and Black in this breed.
Rouen Duck Reproduction: The Circle of Life in Your Backyard
When it comes to Rouen ducks and their reproduction, it’s a bit of a natural wonder right in your backyard. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Nesting and Brooding
Rouen ducks follow a classic approach to family life. The female ducks, called hens, search for a crazy, secure spot to build their nests. They tend to be great at keeping their eggs warm, thanks to their broody nature.
It takes about 28 days of careful incubation before those little ducklings are ready to hatch.
Adorable Ducklings
Once the eggs hatch, you’ll be greeted by a flurry of cute, fluffy ducklings. These little ones are your future flock. Mama Duck, with her protective instincts, watches over them as they grow.
Rouen Ducks: Best for Meat Production Or Egg Production?
Rouen Ducks are like the versatile stars of the farm, excelling in meat production mainly. Let’s take a closer look at their impressive capabilities.
Meat Production
These ducks are top-notch when it comes to meat. They are excellent at packing on those pounds, with standard Rouens weighing in at a hefty 8-10 pounds. Their meat is known for its quality and flavor.
Egg Production (Not A Good Choice Surely!)
Eggs aren’t their primary focus. Rouen Ducks still manage to impress with a respectable production rate of 80-120 creamy white eggs per year. It’s a nice bonus to their meaty reputation. But if you think of commercial value, it won’t generate many stars for sure.
Commercial Value Analysis of Rouen Ducks
Rouen ducks have a significant presence in the market. However, experts deny the fact that it has a high commercial value. Yes, it has some economic plus points, but that’s not significant.
Mouthwatering Meat
The substantial size of Rouen Ducks plays a pivotal role in the meat industry. These ducks have earned their place as a top pick for meat production.
According to Yahoo Finance, between 2021 and 2026, duck meat has a market increment of 1.75%. Let’s have a look at the stat they’ve given below:
Source: Yahoo Finance
Egg-cellent Contribution
Rouen Ducks also contribute to the egg industry, although it’s not their primary focus. As I said, with a decent annual egg production rate ranging from 80-120 eggs per year. They make a quite valuable addition to the farm’s eggbasket, although not much.
Their eggs, like the ducks themselves, are no less in quality, often gracing the breakfast table with creamy, white treasures.
A Feast for the Eye
But it’s not just their culinary contributions that make Rouen Ducks commercially valuable. Their unique and captivating appearance certainly catches people’s eye. These ducks are highly sought after for exhibitions and shows, where their splendid plumage and regal presence steal the spotlight.
The opportunity to showcase these charming birds can be a feather in the cap for many enthusiasts.
Here’s a video of a group of exhibition Rouens beautifully roaming around:
How Suitable is Rouen Ducks In Your Backyard?
Rouen Ducks are brilliant as backyard birds. They are sociable, so they often get along well with other poultry like chickens. Plus, their distinctive look adds a touch of sophistication to your outdoor environment.
What Do Rouen Ducks Eat?
To keep your Rouen Ducks content and healthy, it’s essential to consider their dietary preference. These ducks thrive on a diet that includes grains, vegetables, and, of course, access to clean water for both swimming and feeding.
Their menu should also feature fresh greens and insects. It’ll not only tickle their taste buds but also contribute to the superior quality of their meat and eggs.
Here is the data-driven table that breaks down their dietary needs
| Food Type | Example of Foods | Nutritional Value |
| Grains | Corn, barley, oats | Carbohydrates, fiber |
| Vegetables | Lettuce, kale, peas | Vitamins, minerals |
| Clean Water | Fresh, clean water | Hydration, cleanliness |
| Fresh Greens | Spinach, dandelions | Vitamins, antioxidants |
| Insects | Mealworms, crickets | Protein, essential fats |
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4 Challenges of Keeping Rouen Ducks as Pet
Despite having all those talks, some of the challenges of keeping Rouen Ducks are as follows:
1. Limited Egg Production
Rouen ducks are not top contenders when it comes to egg-laying. They typically produce around 120 eggs per year at best. This means you won’t have a surplus of eggs to grace your breakfast table.
2. Egg Handling Hiccups
Female have a quirky habit of accidentally crushing their own eggs. So even the few eggs you do manage to collect might not make it to your dinner table intact, leading to some eggshell mishaps.
Overly developed keels can lead to breeding issues, so it is a detail worth monitoring.
3. Weight Matters
Overweight ducks can pose a challenge, particularly when it comes to incubating eggs. If they’re allowed to incubate, they might accidentally crush their eggs. This might be fine if eggs aren’t your primary focus, but it’s something to consider if you want to keep things neat.
4. Slow Maturity
Rouen ducks take time to mature, which might not be ideal when looking for a breed for rapid commercial meat production. Their leisurely pace can be a drawback if you are in a hurry.
Explore Breed-related Articles:
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Summary of the study
To sum it up, Rouen Ducks are like a two-for-one deal in your backyard or farm. They provide both delicious meat and eggs. But egg production won’t be that high. However, these ducks come with a fascinating history and bring a touch of beauty to your outdoor space.
Rouen Ducks bring beauty and charm to farms and backyards, winning the hearts of all who meet their graceful presence. Their simple elegance and gentle nature make them a favorite in the poultry world.
Sources And References:
- https://agriculturalmagazine.com/rouen-duck-breed-characteristics-temperament-feeding-and-breeding/
- https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-long-do-rouen-ducks-live.685863/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.782507
- https://livestockconservancy.org/heritage-breeds/heritage-breeds-list/rouen-duck/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/duck-meat-market-size-grow-063000495.html?
- https://amerpoultryassn.com/2023/01/egg-production-in-breeding-stock/
