Rouen

Rouen ducks are heavy French domestic ducks named for Rouen in Normandy and selected from mallard-colored farm ducks for table qualities and later exhibition. They carry the classic mallard pattern: drakes with green heads, white neck rings, chestnut breasts, and gray bodies, and hens with penciled brown plumage. The Standard Rouen seen in shows is deep-bodied, slow-maturing, and often has a pronounced keel, while production Rouens are lighter and more practical for farm use. They are mallard-derived ducks but usually too heavy for sustained flight.

Rouens are kept for meat, ornamental flocks, exhibition, and calm backyard presence rather than top egg output. Their weight makes footing important; slick floors, muddy pens, and excessive feed can contribute to leg and body-condition problems. Clean swim water is especially useful during breeding, because heavy ducks mate more safely in water than on hard ground. Breeders select for clear mallard markings, female penciling, body depth, and symmetry. Buyers looking for show birds should ask whether the line is Standard or production, since the difference is significant.

Colors: Apricot, Bibbed, Black, Blue, Buff, Chocolate, Dark Green and Brown, Fawn, Gray, Magpie, Mallard, Mallard Pattern, Penciled, Pied, Runner Pattern, Silver, White