The Rouen Duck

Rouen ducks are visibly giant Mallards which originated in France.

- Tom Davis

Harrison Weir (1902) commented that 'they are merely the wild duck enlarged by domestication and high feeding'. The French know them as Rouen fonce. They are not to be confused with the Rouen Clair, which are lighter coloured birds with one different colour gene.

Exhibition Rouen ducks have come a long way from the Mallard. In my opinion a well marked Rouen duck with good type can’t be beaten for beauty and are a sight to behold either in the show pen or in a group on range. Rouens are imposing birds reaching 12lbs in weight – they are classified as a heavy breed of domestic waterfowl and are one of the largest around. Although they have a massive body, they plod around quite easily as long as they are kept where they get plenty of exercise on grass, and with a pond or shallow stream.