Description
Rouen Duck
Breed History and Origin
The Rouen duck is a traditional French breed known for its resemblance to the wild Mallard, but with a larger body size and heavier build. Originating in France, it was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. Rouen ducks have long been valued as a dual-purpose breed for both meat and egg production, as well as for exhibition. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its Rouen duck bloodline since 1977.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Rouen ducks share the classic Mallard coloration, with rich brown, green, and gray feather patterns, but are significantly larger and heavier. Unlike Mallards, Rouens are poor flyers, typically unable to fly more than short distances. Mature hens generally weigh around 5 pounds, while drakes average about 7.25 pounds. Their size and attractive plumage make them popular for both backyard flocks and poultry shows.
Egg Production and Performance
Rouen ducks lay eggs ranging in color from blue-green to near white, producing approximately 140–180 eggs per year. Eggs are typically large to extra large, making them suitable for home use.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed is known for its docile, calm, and sociable temperament, making it a great choice for backyard flocks and pond settings. Rouen ducks are often kept as pets due to their friendly nature and entertaining behavior. Fertility percentages typically range between 60–75%, with a recommended mating ratio of six females to one male. Gender accuracy is approximately 90%.
Meat Production and Growth
Rouen ducks are considered a dual-purpose breed, but they are slower growing than Pekin ducks, which makes them less common for commercial meat production. However, they are still a good option for small-scale or backyard meat production.
Backyard and Farm Use
Rouen ducks are well suited for pond environments, backyard flocks, and insect control. Their calm temperament and attractive appearance make them a popular choice for both utility and ornamental purposes.
Housing and Management
Like other ducks, Rouens do not require roosts and typically remain at ground level (floor). They benefit from access to water for swimming and natural behaviors.
Shipping and Availability
Cackle Hatchery® offers seasonal duck shipping and also provides fall availability options.
Due to shipping regulations, we cannot ship ducks to Hawaii.
View Fall availability here:
Rouen Duck https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/rouen-duck/
Duck Care Resources
How Many Eggs Does a Duck Lay? https://www.cacklehatchery.com/how-many-eggs-does-a-duck-lay/
12 Benefits of Keeping Ducks https://www.cacklehatchery.com/12-benefits-of-keeping-ducks/
Heritage Breed Spotlight: Rouen Duck https://www.cacklehatchery.com/heritage-breed-spotlight-rouen-duck/
Ducks for Eggs: How to Keep Your Ducks Laying Well https://www.cacklehatchery.com/ducks-for-eggs-how-to-keep-your-ducks-laying-well/
Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens https://www.cacklehatchery.com/keeping-ducks-together-with-chickens/
Rouen Duck FAQs
What is the difference between Rouen and Mallard ducks? Rouens are larger, heavier, and do not fly well compared to Mallards.
Are Rouen ducks good egg layers? Yes. They can produce around 140–180 eggs per year.
Are Rouen ducks good for backyard ponds? Yes. They are calm, sociable, and well suited for pond environments.
Are Rouen ducks good for meat production? They can be used for meat, but they grow slower than Pekin ducks.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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| 2026-04-27 |
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| 2026-04-28 |
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| 2026-10-21 |
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Bevy –
Fantastic Ducks!
I ordered 8 hens and 1 drake in the Rouen Breed. I was worried when the estimated arrival date was 4 days away. I was afraid I’d have some fatalities….but the birds actually got here in 2 days! They were gorgeous birds….extremely healthy and ready to get out of the box. They were jumping around and excited. They settled in very quickly and are nice and quiet now and very happy campers. This is my favorite breed of ducks because they are much quieter than most and extremely gentle! Thank You!!!!!
Perry A –
Beautiful
Two birds died in shipment. But I was overstocked by two, so that worked out perfectly. The Rouens are full-grown now and they are beautiful.
Haley –
Pleasantly surprised!
We received two hens in our surprise box in early June, now at just 6 months old both hens are laying almost every day! I never expected them to lay so consistently. I would highly recommend these ducks to anyone interested in laying ducks.
Ali –
Awesome
Received my babies today. Happy, healthy. Was very happily surprised to find 2 extras. Would absolutely order from Cackle Hatchery again and recommend.
JoeCustom –
Cackle Hatchery
My youngest daughter wanted some of those “green headed quackers” for our farm so we ordered some from Cackle. I can not express how pleased I am with the chicks. The came in less than a week from ordering, all were alive, there was even an extra one which really excited my daughter! “We got a BONUS QUACKER Dad!” Thank you so much for helping me make her dream of having ducks come true. I’m sure they will lover living on our farm. We’ll be doing business with Cackle again in the future.
Tiffany –
Rouen hens are wonderful!
Our Rouen hen is my favorite! She has a sweet demeanor and is the most sociable of all our hen breeds. Super pretty and calm as well. I plan to buy more.
David –
Im very happy with this order.
I got my 8 ducks 3 weeks ago and they are growing quickly. I will recommend this breed and hatchery.
jonmarc –
great
i love those cuties
Apyscher –
Good ducklings, packaging issues
Just received my Rouen ducklings this morning from the post office. They are very sweet. Prompt delivery. My only complaint is that two of the ducklings had the packing tape severely wrapped in one of their wings and now have gimpy wings and one has a wound on the end of it, which has caused the male duckling to pick on it.
Mary –
I will recommend cackle hatchery to everyone
Just got my ducks this morning. I’m very happy with your promt mailing and the post office let me know as soon as they were in. They arrived healthy and as soon as i opened the top of the box they started trying to jump out. I wil be buying from cackle hatchery in the very near future.
Tammy, Illinois May 2012 –
Cackle Hatchery
All 17 are doing great, eating and of course growing.Thank you for this service that you provide and the assurance than when I order I always get great service and great animals. Thank You
Sigfrido Puerto Rico May 2010 –
Cackle Hatchery
As you can see I live in Puerto Rico. My chicks were sent Wednesday and arrived today Friday. All of them alive and in perfect condition. Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure doing business with you and will definitely will do business again.
Wendy Washington April 2014 –
Received Chicks
Wanted you to know we got the chicks this morning! ALL alive and healthy. Very pleased with both your company and the Post Office. I kinda of had many doubts about the Post Office but they were very prompt about letting us know the chicks were there. Thank You
Ryan Arkansas June 2011 –
Thanks!
We received our shipment of cayugas, turkeys and rouens today in Arkansas. I appreciate your swift response and beautiful birds! Thanks again!
Kory Illinois April 2011 –
Got them!
Got them! Great quality chicks and very happy with my order! Would Recommend you guys to anyone. Thanks