Rouen Duck Breed: The Ultimate Guide

The Rouen duck breed is a beautiful breed of domesticated duck that is equally at home on the farm or in the backyard. With its gentle disposition, the Rouen duck has been a popular breed for centuries. In addition, its valued for its ornamental qualities as well as its delicious eggs and meat. In this blog post, we'll explore the history, appearance, temperament, and care requirements of the Rouen duck, so you can decide if this breed is the right choice for your homestead or backyard flock.

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History of the Rouen Duck breed

The Rouen duck has a long and fascinating history that traces back to the Middle Ages in France. It is believed that the breed was developed in the region of Rouen in Normandy. It was bred for both meat and egg production.

During the 19th century, this breed was brought to England and the United States. It quickly gained popularity as ornamental and exhibition birds. In fact, they were even shown at the first poultry exhibition in the United States in 1849.

In the early 20th century, they experienced a decline in popularity due to the rise of industrialized agriculture and the introduction of new breeds that were more efficient at producing meat and eggs. However, there was a renewed interest in the breed in the 1970s. Sincethen they have regained popularity as both exhibition and utility birds.

Today, Rouen ducks are a rare breed and listed on the Watch List by the Livestock Conservancy. They are found on small farms and homesteads around the world. 

The personality of a Rouen duck 

Rouen ducks are calm with a docile temperament, making them popular as pets and exhibition birds. They are generally friendly and social, and they often enjoy interacting with their human caretakers. They can become quite attached to their owners and will follow them around the yard or garden.

While Rouen ducks are not as talkative as some other breeds of ducks, they do make a range of sounds, from quiet quacks to loud honks. They are curious  and intelligence, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings.

The appearance of a Rouen Duck

Rouen ducks are a large breed of domesticated duck that have a distinctive and striking appearance. They have a plump body with a broad breast and a round head.

Males and females have similar coloring, but males are generally larger than females and have a more pronounced green head. Their bills are a dark greenish-black color, and their legs and feet are orange. Females typically weigh between 8-10 pounds, while males can weigh up to 12 pounds.

Egg color and production

Rouen ducks egg production is moderate to good. They typically lay between 100-150 eggs per year, which is fewer than some other breeds of ducks, such as the Khaki Campbell or Runner ducks, but more than breeds such as the Pekin or Muscovy ducks.

The eggs laid by this breed are typically medium to large in size, and they have a white or off-white shell color. 

Care and health

When it comes to care, Rouen ducks require a spacious and secure living area with access to water for drinking and feeding. They also need a balanced diet that includes a mix of duck feed, greens, and insects. 

Overall, this duck breed is a gentle and easygoing bird that make excellent pets for families and individuals who are looking for a feathered companion with a laid-back personality.