Rouen Ducklings

Day Old Baby Rouen Ducklings

• Dual purpose
• 140-180 Eggs annually
• Calm demeanor, "majestic" 
• Drakes 9.5 lbs Hens 8.5 lbs
• APA Heavy Duck 

Rouens are big ducks, with flavorful meat. They are colored like Mallards but are much larger. There are two types of Rouen Ducks: the Exhibition Rouen, which is primarily raised for decorative purposes or meat, and the Production Rouen, which is smaller and lays more eggs but still is a good-sized duck for meat.

Production Rouens are slightly smaller but lay more eggs, 140-180 per year. We sell Production Rouens. Production Rouens can be processed as early as 4 months and will weigh around 5 1/2 pounds. Many choose to wait until the Rouen is a year old when they are more flavorful and have a heavier weight of 8-9 pounds.

Rouens were first bred in France. They most likely come from the region around the French town of Rouen. Much has changed since this breed first appeared in England in the 19th century.

Historians note that British farmers used selective breeding to double the size of the Standard Rouen, and also to increase the size of the keel, making the bird look like a boat. The first Rouens in the United States arrived in 1850 and were used as general farm ducks until gaining popularity as an exhibition breed. They were first included in the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874.

Some modern breeders have reported that keels have gotten so large some drakes have difficulty mating. It is recommended that breeders use males with smaller keels to prevent problems.