Rouen Ducks are one of the most visually striking domesticated ducks often praised for their calm and docile temperament.
Their picturesque iridescent green heads can be a great addition to your local ponds or flocks. They can thrive in a variety of environments, making them more appealing creatures.
Their elegance makes them the stars of the poultry and waterfowl exhibitions. They know how to strut their beauty.
These friendly and chill species are special as they are considered a heritage breed, meaning they have both historical significance and cultural value.
Heritage breeds are often raised to preserve their stunning genetic diversity while promoting sustainable agriculture.
So, let’s get you acquainted with this species and its visually aesthetic appeal with male vs. female comparisons.
Contents
Rouen Duck: How To Identify?
Source: @gaspare_1977
- Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
- Size: 66 to 71 cm (26 to 28 in)
- Average Weight: 4.5 to 5.5 kg (160 to 195 oz)
- Wingspan: 76 to 86 cm (30 to 34 in)
- Wingbone: 25 to 29 cm (9.8 to 11.4 in)
- Tail: 10 to 14 cm (3.9 to 5.5 in)
- Tarsus: 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in)
Rouen ducks are a domesticated duck breed that closely resembles their wild Mallard ancestors but with some distinct differences in size, coloration, and shape.
Size
Adult Rouen Ducks are a large species that exhibit a well-rounded and plump body shape and head with a distinctive horizontal posture. They are heavy ducks with a broad chest and a stocky build. Their bodies are broad, and they have webbed feet, which are adapted for swimming and foraging in water. Their legs are set apart, providing stability on land.
Adult Coloration
- Coloration: Rich chestnut-brown.
- Bill: Yellow-orange
- Wings: Blue speculum
- Tail: Dark ashy brown
- Legs and Feet: Orange.
- Overall Shape: Large and stocky.
Rouen Ducks have striking plumage with a chestnut-brown body, an iridescent green head, and a distinct white collar or neck ring. Their tail feathers are often straight, and the wings may have some blue iridescence on the speculum.
Their legs are orange and set apart, giving them a stable and upright posture. The bill of Rouen ducks is typically yellow to greenish-yellow in color.
Male Vs. Female Rouen Ducks Visual Comparison
Source: @pablovi_ph
Males have more vibrant and colorful plumage. They typically exhibit a similar coloration to the typical adult Rouen Duck’s color.
Females, on the contrary, have more subdued mahogany brown with a darker plumage. They lack a striking green head and white collar, and their body tends to be a mottled brown.
The males are larger both in terms of body and overall dimensions. They are typically heavier and longer. Female Ducks, however, are smaller and more compact.
In terms of vocalization, the males often have a louder and more pronounced quack, which can have a deeper tone. The females typically produce a softer and less pronounced quack.
Males may exhibit more assertive or territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season. Females are generally more focused on nesting and egg-laying.
In some cases, the drakes may have a slight curl in their tail feathers. On the other hand, female Ducks usually have straight tail feathers.
Male Vs. Female Comparison At A Glance
Here’s a short and easy table to quickly understand and compare the traits of a male Rouen Duck and a female Rouen Duck.
| Category | Male Rouen Duck | Female Rouen Duck |
| Size | Larger and heavier | Smaller and more compact |
| Plumage | Vibrant | Mottled brown, Darker |
| Voice | Louder and deeper quack | Softer and less pronounced quack |
| Behavior | More assertive or territorial | Less territorial |
Range & Habitat
Rouen Ducks do not have a natural range or habitat specialty in the wild. Instead, they are bred and raised in captivity by humans. However, the domesticated Rouen duck is descended from the Mallard, which is native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
In captivity, Rouen ducks can adapt to a variety of environments, including small ponds, lakes, backyard settings, and small farms.
They are well-suited to these controlled environments, and their adaptable nature makes them popular for domestic purposes.
Their domestication has led to variations in their physical characteristics compared to their wild ancestors, as they have been selectively bred for specific traits, such as size and plumage.
While Rouen ducks don’t have a natural range or habitat specialty, their adaptability and docile nature have made them a favored choice for those who want to keep ducks in a domestic setting.
Dietary Preferences
It’s important to provide a well-balanced diet to ensure the health and well-being of Rouen ducks.
While they have these dietary preferences, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or poultry specialist for specific feeding recommendations.
Additionally, the dietary needs of Rouen ducks may vary depending on their age and purpose (e.g., growing ducklings, adult ducks, or breeding ducks).
In general, Rouen ducks can be fed a diet based on grains such as corn, wheat, barley, and oats. Commercial duck feeds are available and often contain a balanced mix of grains and nutrients.
They also enjoy a variety of vegetables, including leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. They also like root vegetables like carrots and beets.
Rouen Ducks are natural foragers and enjoy insects like worms, snails, and even small insects they find around the yard or pond.
They also prefer to dabble in the water and feed on aquatic plants like duckweed, watercress, and algae. If you have a pond or access to such plants, they can be an excellent addition to their diet.
Commercially formulated duck feed is available in many places. It provides a balanced diet with the necessary nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Fresh, clean water is essential. Ducks need water for drinking and foraging, and they’ll also use it to help soften their food for digestion.
Vocalization
Rouen ducks use their vocalizations as a means of communication within the flock, to signal their needs, and to interact with each other. Each duck may have its unique quack, and experienced duck keepers can often distinguish individual ducks based on their sounds.
Quacking is the most well-known vocalization of ducks. Rouen ducks, both males (drakes) and females (ducks) can quack.
The quack of a Rouen duck can vary in pitch and tone. Males tend to have a deeper and softer quack, while females have a louder and more pronounced quack.
The quack is often used for communication, especially during mating, or to alert others to potential danger.
Rouen ducks, especially the females, may emit hissing sounds when they feel threatened or are protecting their nests or young ducklings.
Sometimes, you might hear Rouen ducks produce soft, grumbling sounds. These can be signs of contentment or communication within the flock.
Ducklings, in particular, can make soft whistling or chirping sounds, especially when they are very young.
When ducks are in the water, they often create splashing and spluttering sounds as they forage and feed on aquatic vegetation or insects.
Reproduction
Source: @aves___10
- Breeding Season: All Year-round
- Mating System: Not Monogamous
Rouen ducks typically exhibit increased breeding behavior during the spring and early summer months when daylight hours are longer. It corresponds to their natural breeding season.
During the breeding season, male Rouen ducks engage in courtship displays to attract female ducks.
These displays may include head bobbing, tail wagging, and vocalizations. Drakes often become more vocal and may emit soft quacks or whistles to attract the attention of females.
Mating involves the male mounting the female, including the male grasping the back of the female’s neck with his bill., which is a common behavior in ducks.
Nesting
Nesting is an important aspect of the breeding and reproduction process for Rouen ducks. Let’s look through some of their nesting-related process.
- Selection of Nesting Sites: Female ducks usually select suitable nesting sites for laying their eggs. They may choose secluded areas with sufficient bedding materials like straw or hay to create comfortable nests. Then, they lay their eggs in the chosen nesting sites.
- Incubation: Once the eggs are laid, the female begins incubating them. The incubation period is approximately 28 days. During this time, the female will stay in the nest, turning and tending to the eggs.
- Parental Care: After the eggs hatch, the female provides care for the ducklings, protecting them and helping them find food and water. Males may also play a protective role during this period.
- Brooding: Female ducks continue to brood their ducklings for several weeks, keeping them warm and safe. Ducklings remain with their mother during this time.
For Domestication
You should provide nesting boxes or secluded areas for the ducks to lay their eggs. Nesting boxes can be made of wood or other suitable materials and should be large enough for a duck to comfortably enter and exit.
Make sure to line the nesting boxes with clean, soft bedding materials like straw, hay, or wood shavings. It creates a comfortable and hygienic environment for laying eggs and brooding.
Place the nesting boxes in a quiet, safe, and sheltered area. Ducks prefer privacy when laying eggs and caring for their young. Ensure the nesting area is protected from predators.
Remember to routinely check the nesting boxes for eggs. If the duck is brooding, allow her to do so naturally.
Ensure that brooding ducks have access to fresh water, appropriate food, and shelter while they incubate the eggs.
If eggs are successfully incubated, provide a safe and warm area for the ducklings once they hatch. Ducklings need warmth, food, and clean water.
Keep records of the nesting and hatching dates, the number of eggs laid, and other relevant information. It can be valuable for future breeding and nesting efforts.
Here’s a table that will provide you with the idea of their nesting facts all at a glance:
| Clutch Size | 8 to 12 eggs |
| Number of Broods | One Brood |
| Egg Length (On Average) | 2.3 inches (5.8 cm) |
| Egg Weight | 80 to 95 g () |
| Incubation Period | 28 days |
| Nestling Period | 40 to 45 days |
| Egg Description | Off-white to a pale greenish color |
| Hatchlings Weight | 40 g (1.4 oz) |
Behavior
Rouen ducks depict specific behaviors when interacting with their species and with other species.
Behavior with Own Species:
Rouen Ducks are adaptable and sociable, making them suitable for cohabitation with various poultry and waterfowl species as well as their own species when managed in appropriate and safe environments.
- Social Flocking: Rouen ducks are social animals and tend to flock together. They often stay in groups, and their behavior within their species is generally peaceful.
- Mating Behavior: During the breeding season, males may engage in courtship displays and compete for the attention of female ducks.
- Quacking Communication: Ducks are known for their quacking. Both males and females use quacks to communicate with each other within the flock.
Behavior with Other Species
It’s important to monitor interactions between Rouen ducks and other species, especially when introducing new animals to the flock.
- Social Compatibility: Rouen ducks are generally sociable and can coexist peacefully with other duck breeds and poultry species. However, aggression may occur if resources like food or shelter are limited.
- Foraging: Ducks are natural foragers, and they will often forage for food alongside other waterfowl or poultry species. They can share foraging areas with chickens and other birds.
- Interaction with Fish: If kept near ponds or bodies of water, Rouen ducks may interact with fish. They generally do not harm larger fish.
- Protection Against Predators: Ducks may help protect other poultry species by acting as an early warning system for potential threats like predators. Their alert behavior can alert other birds to danger.
- Social Behavior: Rouen Ducks can exhibit social behavior when kept in mixed flocks. They may form social bonds or hierarchies with other species they share an environment with.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a Rouen duck can vary depending on factors such as their living conditions, care, and exposure to potential risks.
On average, Rouen ducks have a lifespan of about 5 to 10 years. However, with proper care and protection from predators and diseases, some individuals can live even longer.
Ducks kept in a protected and well-maintained environment, with access to clean water, proper nutrition, and shelter, tend to have a better chance of reaching the upper end of their potential lifespan range. Providing routine healthcare and vaccinations can also contribute to their longevity.
Predators
Rouen ducks can be vulnerable to various predators, especially when they are in an outdoor or free-ranging environment.
- Raccoons are skilled climbers and can pose a significant threat to ducks, including Rouen ducks.
- Foxes are agile and opportunistic predators that may prey on ducks, especially if they have access to duck nesting areas.
- Coyotes are also known to hunt ducks, including domesticated breeds like Rouen ducks, when given the opportunity.
- Raptors such as eagles, hawks, and owls can pose a threat to both adult ducks and ducklings. They may swoop down and capture ducks in open areas.
- Domestic dogs and feral cats can be threats to ducks if they are allowed to roam freely in areas where ducks are kept.
- Some snake species, particularly larger constrictors, may pose a danger to ducklings and eggs if they can access nesting areas.
- Opossums are opportunistic feeders and may target duck eggs and young ducklings.
- Crows and Ravens are known to be opportunistic scavengers and may prey on eggs and young ducklings.
To protect Rouen ducks from these predators, it’s essential to provide secure housing, such as predator-resistant coops and enclosures, during the night and whenever ducks are vulnerable.
Fencing with small openings can help keep out ground-based predators while netting or covers can deter aerial predators.
Regular monitoring and protective measures can help ensure the safety and well-being of Rouen ducks in an outdoor environment.
Population
- Status: Least Concern
The population of Rouen ducks is not as well-documented as that of their wild counterparts, such as Mallard ducks.
Rouen ducks are considered a domesticated breed, and their population can vary depending on the demand for this particular breed in different regions.
Their population is influenced by the breeding efforts of duck enthusiasts, farmers, and breeders who maintain and propagate this heritage duck breed.
The population of this species can vary significantly from one region to another and may change over time based on factors like market demand, conservation efforts, and the preferences of those who choose to raise them.
While not an endangered breed, Rouen ducks are part of ongoing efforts to conserve and maintain heritage duck breeds. These efforts aim to preserve genetic diversity in domestic duck populations.
However, specific population data for Rouen ducks may not be as readily available as it is for wild duck species.
Rouen Duck Similar Species
Let’s delve further into the visual similarities and dissimilarities of Rouen ducks compared to the domestic duck breeds mentioned:
Mallard
Source: @robart68
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos
Rouen ducks and Mallard Ducks share a common ancestry with similar body shapes, webbed feet, and general duck-like characteristics. Their diet, incubation, and swimming style are similar as well.
Dissimilarities: Rouen ducks are significantly larger than Mallards and have distinct plumage. Male Mallards have vibrant iridescent green heads and striking color patterns, while Rouen males have green heads but with different coloration.
Pekin Duck
Source: @ditik_and_friends
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Both Rouen and Pekin ducks have a similar stocky body shape, webbed feet, and typical duck appearance.
Dissimilarities: Pekin ducks are usually all white, while Rouen ducks have chestnut-brown bodies, green heads, and a white neck ring. The coloration is the most notable difference between the two.
Indian Runner Duck
Source: @moniquehaagmans
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
Indian Runner and Rouen Duck breeds have webbed feet and share some general duck features.
Dissimilarities: Indian Runner ducks have a unique upright posture, standing tall like penguins, which is quite different from the more traditional horizontal body posture of Rouen ducks. Their coloration and body shape also differ.
Fun Facts About Rouen Duck
Rouen ducks are not only visually striking but also serve multiple purposes and have a rich history as a domestic duck breed. Their characteristics, friendly demeanor, and suitability for various environments make them a special and valuable addition to poultry keeping.
The breed has undergone selective breeding to enhance specific traits, such as size and coloration while retaining its classic appearance and characteristics.
Female Rouen ducks are known for their excellent maternal instincts, carefully selecting nesting sites, incubating eggs, and providing care and protection to their ducklings.
FAQ
This section is saved to provide the Rouen Duck lovers with the answers to frequently asked questions.
Q: Are Rouen ducks good for pest control?
Ans: Yes, of course! Rouen ducks are natural foragers who may help reduce insects and weeds in a garden or yard, making them an excellent natural pest control option.
Q: Do Rouen ducks make good pets?
Ans: Rouen ducks are excellent pets, especially if raised from ducklings and acquainted with humans. They are recognized for being friendly and docile.
Thoughts
The Rouen duck, like other historical and domesticated breeds, must be conserved by taking precautions to guarantee their genetic diversity and overall well-being.
You can provide support to local breeders and hatcheries that prioritize the conservation of heritage duck breeds.
You can also work with breed clubs and organizations dedicated to Rouen duck conservation. These groups often maintain pedigree records and offer guidance on breeding to preserve the breed’s purity.
Moreover, you can advocate for policies and regulations that support the conservation of heritage duck breeds and encourage responsible breeding practices.
You should help promote sustainable farming and agriculture practices that include the responsible breeding and conservation of heritage breeds.
You might also want to engage with local communities and organizations to create opportunities for people to interact with Rouen ducks, fostering a connection with these heritage animals.
Happy ducking, everyone!
