Rouen Ducklings for Sale – Majestic & Hardy!

Rouen Ducklings

The Rouen duck is a large, hardy breed of domesticated duck known for its beauty and ability to thrive in both free-range and farm environments. Rouen ducklings are a popular choice for backyard flocks due to their friendly temperament and dual-purpose abilities for both meat and egg production.

Duckling Appearance:

• Color: Rouen ducklings are born with soft, yellow down feathers that may have darker markings on their backs and heads. As they grow, their feathers gradually darken and take on the distinctive coloring of adult Rouens.
• Bill & Legs: Initially, the bills and legs of Rouen ducklings are a pale orange or yellow, darkening as they mature into their adult colors.
• Build: These ducklings are large and sturdy, with a more robust build than many other duck breeds. They grow quickly and have strong, healthy development in the first few weeks.

Adult Characteristics:

• Male (Drake): Adult male Rouens have a rich, iridescent green head with a white ring around their neck and a deep chestnut-brown body. They have orange feet and a bright orange bill.
• Female (Hen): Female Rouens are generally a bit smaller than the males and have a more subdued plumage. Their feathers are a mix of brown, gray, and tan with a slightly darker head, and they have orange feet.
• Size: Rouens are a heavy breed, with males (drakes) reaching weights of 9–12 lbs, while females (hens) typically weigh 8–10 lbs.

Temperament:

• Friendly and Social — Rouen ducks are gentle, friendly, and calm, making them excellent additions to backyard flocks. They are good with children and are less skittish than some other duck breeds.
• Intelligent and Curious — These ducks are inquisitive and enjoy exploring their surroundings, which makes them ideal for free-range environments.
• Quiet — Rouen ducks are quieter than other breeds of ducks and tend to make soft quacking sounds.

Egg Production:

• Moderate Layers — Rouens are decent layers, typically producing 180–250 large white eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: Rouen eggs are large, with a smooth, white shell that is thicker than that of other duck breeds. Their eggs have a rich, creamy flavor that makes them highly prized in the kitchen.

Ideal For:

• Meat Production: Rouen ducks are known for their flavorful meat, which is tender and lean with a delicious taste. They are often raised for gourmet meat production and are similar in size and quality to the Pekin breed.
• Egg Production: Their steady egg production and delicious eggs make them a favorite for those looking for a dual-purpose duck.
• Backyard Farms & Homesteads: Their calm temperament and hardiness make them great for families and small farms.

Care Tips:

• Housing: Rouen ducklings should be kept in a secure, dry space with enough room to roam. As adults, they need shelter from extreme weather conditions but can be kept in open pens or free-range environments.
• Water & Feed: Provide clean water for swimming, as Rouens enjoy dabbling. They thrive on a well-balanced duck feed, and fresh greens and grains can complement their diet. Rouens are good foragers, so they can help keep the area clean by eating bugs and plants.
• Free-Range: Rouens do well when allowed to free-range, where they can explore, forage, and get plenty of exercise.

Fun Fact:

• Rouen vs. Mallard: Rouen ducks are often mistaken for Mallards because of their similar coloration, but Rouens are significantly larger and heavier. Unlike Mallards, which are typically wild, Rouens have been domesticated for hundreds of years and are known for their meat and egg production.