Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed Summary
The Rouen Duck is a large, robust domestic breed bred primarily for meat and, to a lesser extent, exhibition. It resembles a Mallard in body shape but is significantly larger, with a calm temperament that adapts well to free-range pond settings and cooler climates. Typical weights are 3.6-4.5 kg for drakes and 3.0-3.8 kg for hens. Egg production is modest for a duck, about 120-170 eggs per year, with eggs weighing roughly 65-90 g and an incubation of 28 days. They are not prolific layers but offer good meat yield, a deep breast and broad frame. Drakes have a greenish head with a white neck ring; hens are brown and mottled.
Detailed Origin
The Rouen Duck originates from Rouen, Normandy, France, where heavy local stock was crossbred with mallards to create a large meat-type duck. Selection intensified in the 18th and 19th centuries to maximize size, growth rate and meat quality. The breed spread to much of Europe and North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries, where it became common on farms for market weight and later for show purposes. Today it is recognized by major poultry associations and valued for its meat attributes and calm disposition.
Detailed Description
Physically, Rouen ducks are large, deep-bodied birds with a broad chest and sturdy legs positioned toward the rear, resulting in a compact, waddling gait. Plumage mirrors mallard coloration: drakes exhibit a glossy green head, a white neck ring, and a bluish-gray body; hens are mottled brown with darker back and wing shading. Typical weights are 3.6-4.5 kg for drakes and 3.0-3.8 kg for hens. They have orange-yellow feet and a calm, friendly temperament, which makes them suitable for beginners and backyard ponds alike. For management, provide ample space for foraging and a clean water source. Reproductive output is moderate, with about 120-170 eggs per year and a 28-day incubation.