Rouen Duck

Rouen Duck

The Rouen duck, developed in France, is a large, dual-purpose breed valued for its meat and decent egg production. Known for their friendly temperament, they’re easy to care for, making them ideal for beginners and families. These ducks thrive in environments where they can forage, contributing to natural pest control. With their striking plumage, good health, and strong parenting instincts, Rouen ducks are a practical and charming addition to any farm or backyard.

Males exhibit a striking green head with a white neck ring and a chestnut breast

Males have a yellow bill, while females have a more orange-toned bill.

Females have a mottled brown appearance for camouflage.

Primarily bred for meat and eggs

They possess strong orange legs and webbed feet.

BREED & ORIGIN

Rouen Duck & France; developed in the Rouen region

LIFE EXPECTANCY

8-12 years

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

Males (Drakes): 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kg)
Females (Hens): 7 to 9 pounds (3.2 to 4.1 kg)

Duckling: 0-6 weeks

Juvenile: 8-12 weeks

Adult: 6-8 months

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

Temperament

Friendly, calm, sociable

Activity Level

Moderate; enjoys foraging and swimming

Climate Tolerance

Adaptable to various climates

Genetic Traits

They are large, with iridescent green heads in males and rich brown, gray, and green plumage.

Egg Laying Capacity

Moderate: 100-150 eggs per year

Broodiness

Moderate; females typically incubate eggs and care for younga

Feeding

Rouen ducks are omnivorous and thrive on a balanced diet that includes grains, vegetables, and protein sources like insects and small fish.

Housing

Rouen ducks need access to outdoor space and a clean water source for swimming and foraging. They should be protected from predators and have a dry, sheltered area for nesting.

Health

Generally healthy, Rouens can be prone to common duck diseases if not properly cared for. Clean water and appropriate housing conditions are crucial for
their health.

How to Breed and Raise Rouen Duck?

Breeding Practices
Rouen ducks are known to be good parents, and females will incubate their eggs for about 28 days. They are usually monogamous during the breeding season.

Ducklings are precocial and can feed themselves soon after hatching, but they rely on their mother for warmth and protection during the initial weeks.

Nutritional Needs
Balanced nutrition with ample protein, especially during the laying season, is essential for sustaining their high egg output.

Flygrubs provide essential protein and calcium, supporting egg production. It complement their diet, providing high protein, healthy fats, calcium, and phosphorus and can be integrated into the diet from ducklings to adulthood. Easy to incorporate, can be fed
dried or rehydrated.

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Rouen ducks are economically valuable for meat and eggs, while culturally cherished for their friendly temperament and contribution to sustainable farming.

Category	Details
Breed	Rouen Duck
Origin	France (Rouen region)
Temperament	Friendly, calm, sociable
Comb Type	None (ducks don't have combs)
Commercial Use	Valued for meat; moderate egg production
Climate Tolerance	Adaptable to various climates
Feeding	Omnivorous: grains, plants, insects, small fish
Fertility Rates	High; common in both wild and domesticated settings
Backyard Use	Suitable for family settings and small farms
Egg Laying	Moderate: 100-150 eggs per year
Housing Requirements	Requires water access and outdoor space
Activity Level	Moderate; enjoys foraging and swimming

PROs

Dual-purpose: Valued for both meat and moderate egg production, ideal for small farms.
Friendly temperament: Calm, sociable, and easy to manage, great for families.
Adaptable: Thrive with water access but can adapt to small backyard setups.

CONS

Lower egg production: Lays 100-150 eggs/year, fewer than breeds like Khaki Campbell.
Heavy body weight: Larger size limits mobility and flying ability, reducing escape options.
Requires space: Needs more room to roam and graze compared to smaller breeds like Mallards.

Yes, Rouen ducks are considered good for egg production, laying approximately 100 to
150 eggs annually. While they are capable layers, it's essential to note that they are primarily valued for their meat due to their size and flavor. Rouen eggs are larger and richer in flavor than those of many other breeds, making them a preferred choice for culinary uses. The egg-laying season usually begins in the spring and can continue through the summer, although production may vary based on environmental conditions and individual health.

Rouen ducks have an omnivorous diet, which includes a variety of foods such as grains, vegetables, insects, and small fish. Providing a balanced diet is essential for their overall health and optimal egg production. It's beneficial to supplement their diet with high-quality duck feed that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals. Additionally, allowing them to forage can enhance their nutrition while promoting natural behaviors, such as foraging for insects and plants, which also aids in their development and well-being.

Rouen ducks typically begin laying eggs at around 6 to 7 months of age, making them
relatively early layers among duck breeds. This early maturity allows for a quicker return on investment for those raising them for egg production. The onset of egg-laying can be influenced by factors such as diet, health, and environmental conditions, so ensuring optimal care can lead to better egg production as they reach maturity. Many owners enjoy the dual benefits of raising Rouen ducks for both meat and eggs, especially during the laying season.

Yes, Rouen ducks generally get along well with other duck breeds and chickens, provided there is enough space and resources for everyone. Their friendly and social nature helps them integrate smoothly into mixed flocks. It’s important to monitor interactions, especially during feeding times, to ensure that all birds have access to food and water. Proper space and housing arrangements can significantly reduce any potential conflicts and promote harmony within a diverse flock.

While Rouen ducks thrive in environments with access to water, they can adapt to
backyard setups without a pond if they have a kiddie pool or container for swimming. Regular access to water is important for their physical and mental well-being, as it allows them to engage in natural behaviors like dabbling and preening. A small pool can suffice for their swimming needs, but ensuring they have the opportunity to splash and play is beneficial for their health and happiness.

Rouen ducks are moderately noisy compared to other duck breeds. Males tend to be
quieter than females, but both genders can produce quacking sounds, particularly when they are excited or feel threatened. While they are not the loudest breed, their vocalizations can be noticeable, especially during feeding times or when interacting with their environment. Understanding their natural behaviors and vocal patterns can help owners manage noise levels in a backyard or farm setting.

In summary, Rouen ducks are a wonderful choice for those seeking a friendly and dual-purpose breed that can thrive in a backyard or farm environment. With their striking appearance and good nature, they provide both companionship and valuable contributions to sustainable living.