At a glance the quick version
Oklahoma State University gives about 3.6 kg (8 lb) drakes and 3.2 kg (7 lb) ducks. Wikipedia gives 4.1-5.4 kg for standard-bred (exhibition) birds without splitting by sex, and 2.7-3.6 kg for production strains; Metzer Farms lists 5-7.25 lb (about 2.3-3.3 kg).
Looks how to spot one
Dense, waterproof mallard-pattern feathers
A big, boat-shaped duck with a deep keel, coloured much like a wild mallard but larger and brighter. Drakes have a green head, white collar, claret breast and orange legs; ducks are rich mahogany brown with fine pencilled markings and a tan eye stripe. Both show a vivid blue wing patch.12
Personality what they are like
A calm, unhurried and gentle duck that takes life slowly. Rouens mature more slowly than many breeds and are content to potter about the garden.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Rouens rarely fly and are good foragers, so they enjoy daily time on grass looking for food, along with regular bathing water.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Ducks keep their feathers in order themselves by preening and bathing, so the main job is supplying clean water: drinkers deep enough for a duck to dip its whole head, and a pool or tub for bathing. Keep bedding dry and change it often, and stop runs from turning into deep mud. As a heavy breed, they appreciate water deep enough to float in, which takes the weight off their legs.5
Home where they are happiest
A dry, well-ventilated and predator-proof house with roughly 0.4-0.55 m2 (4-6 sq ft) of floor per duck, plus a secure outdoor run with grass if possible. Sturdy fencing, fine hardware mesh, fencing sunk a little into the ground and overhead netting all help keep the flock safe.5
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete commercial waterfowl feed as the base, with leafy greens, other vegetables and the odd protein treat such as mealworms. Keep avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, nightshade plants and mouldy food away from them, and always offer fresh water alongside food.5
Company who they like around
A flock bird that should live with at least two or three other ducks. If drakes are kept, about one drake to four or more ducks keeps the group settled.5
The story where it all began
The Rouen was developed from mallard-type ducks in northern France before the 1800s, where it was prized as a table bird. English breeders then selected it into the larger, deeper-bodied show duck known today; it reached the United States in 1850 and joined the first American standard in 1874.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
French breeders called it 'the perfect utility duck'.1
- 2
When it first reached England it was known by names such as Rhone, Rohan and Roan.1
- 3
France keeps a lighter-coloured cousin called the Rouen Clair alongside the darker Rouen Fonce.1
- 4
D. W. Lincoln of Massachusetts brought the first Rouens to the United States in 1850.1
Recognised by the official bits
- American Poultry Association (APA)
- In the first Standard of Perfection, 1874.1
- The Livestock Conservancy
- 'Watch' status according to Oklahoma State University.2
- Metzer Farms breed chart
- Conservation rank given as 'Plenty'.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rouen Duck. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh food and waterWater deep enough to dip the whole headevery day
- Egg collectevery day
- House spot cleanevery day
- Pool refreshA paddling pool or pond to splash inevery 2 days
- House full cleanevery 2 weeks
- Free rangeDaily time outside in a safe runevery day
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees poultry and waterfowlevery year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Rouen duck - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, history, APA year, weights, plumage, eggs, temperament
- Rouen Ducks - Oklahoma State University Breeds of Livestock breeds.okstate.eduused for origin, APA year, weights, colours, eggs, temperament, conservation
- Compare Duck Breeds - Metzer Farms metzerfarms.comused for weights, eggs, flying, foraging, broodiness, conservation rank
- Domestic duck - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, mallard ancestry, domestic behaviour
- Duck Care Guide - Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic birdexoticsvet.comused for housing, water, diet, social needs, predator protection
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.