Duck Breed Focus - Rouen

sumi

Rest in Peace 1980-2020
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Jun 28, 2011
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The Rouen breed was originally raised in France, but it was not until it was imported into England in the 19th century that it was refined into the breed recognized as the Rouen today. The French Rouen resembled a larger than average Mallard, but by selective breeding the British managed to double the size of the bird, improve its coloration and change their body shape, giving it a more "boat-like" aspect. The first Rouens were introduced to the USA in 1850, by D. W. Lincoln of Worcester, Massachusetts, and they were mostly used as general homestead ducks until they started becoming popular as show birds. Due to their large size, they make excellent table birds, but are slow growing and can take up to a year to reach their full size.

The plumage coloring of both the Rouen drake and duck are nearly identical to that of the Mallard breed; drakes have green heads, white collars, black tail feathers, a gray body, and a deep claret breast. The ducks are mottled light and dark brown, with a black crown and eye-stripes. Rouen ducks can be much darker brown than Mallard ducks. Both sexes also have blue speculum feathers. Rouen speculum feathers are brighter in color and larger in size than that of the Mallard though. Adult Rouen birds of both genders are typically significantly larger than Mallards. The Rouen duckling are nearly identical to the Mallard duckling in terms of plumage colouring, but Rouen ducklings can be distinguished from wild Mallard ducklings by the presence of a second stripe which runs across their face, just under their eye, whereas mallard ducklings have only one stripe which runs across their eye. In the USA, two distinct types of Rouen are bred, the common, or "production", variety that is larger than a Mallard but has a typical duck conformation, and the much larger and squarer standard-bred exhibition variety. The production variety normally weighs 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg) while the standard-bred weighs 9–12 lb (4.1–5.4 kg).

They were included in the APA's Standard of Perfection in 1874.

Details:

Purpose: Dual purpose; exhibition
Egg laying: 60-150 per year

Origin: France
Classification: Heavy
Weight: Production variety -
6–8 lbs; Exhibition variety - 9–12 lb


Pic by @Canam


Pic by @housewife


Pic by @KelliG

BYC Breed discussions:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/777392/rouen-duck-thread/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/225395/difference-between-rouen-and-mallard/0_30

BYC Breed Reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/rouen

Do you own Rouens? Are you a Rouen breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!
 
Pretty ducks!

Every time I see a new breed focus, I want whatever is being focused on. These threads are hazardous, lol.
 
We have two female Rouen ducks and out of our flock of 14 assorted chickens and ducks, the Rouens hands-down have the most personality. Don't get me wrong, I love them all, but the Rouens are an absolute hoot. For one thing, they are extremely vocal. If they hear us outside, they start yelling for us to come over. When we let them out to free-range, they periodically come check to see what we're doing. Sometimes they split up, and Frankie will wander off with the chickens while Lola joins the other ducks, but after ten minutes or so, they start hollering to see where the other one is at. Then they meet up and talk excitedly about everything that's happened since they saw each other last. They definitely love water- they'll hog the kiddie pool and the Indian Runners and Swedish Blue stand around waiting for their turn. Rouens are definitely very fun ducks to have!
 
Lol I was just thinking the same thing haha!
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@Adalida Welcome to BYC
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Your ducks sound like a fun pair! Please share some pics of them if you have any?
 
What an exiting thread to happen upon this evening. I just received a pair of ducklings as a gift two weeks ago and was trying to figure out what kind they are. I'm so excited to discover that they might be Rouens! They look just like the ones in the picture but the second line under the eye is faint. It could be because I'm in Mexico and perhaps the breed standard is different here? They are called Floridana's here and are a very popular backyard duck.

In the two weeks I've had them I can tell they are going to be great pets and I can't wait to see what they become!
What do you think?


 

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