Rouen ducks were bred in France. There are two sizes of this breed. The standard size is large and produces good meat, the smaller size weighs around 1 kg less. This breed is slow to mature so other breeds were referred for farming.

They are much like the wild Mallard in pattern. The drakes have a yellow bill and a white band around the neck. The female ducks have a brown bill and brown and black feathering. The female ducks do not lay many eggs, but they do go broody.

Because of their large size, it is not recommended that they sit on eggs. Rouen ducks are hardy, docile in temperament and easy to rear. They enjoy foraging on grass and eat many garden pests. They are not as keen on water as other breed, so a shallow tray is enough for them to be happy. Standard mature Rouen ducks weigh around 4 kg.