Rouen Ducks vs Mallard Ducks: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, Rouen and Mallard ducks look strikingly similar. Both sport the iconic green-headed drake, brown-feathered hen, and iridescent blue wing markings. But when it comes to behavior, size, egg-laying, and suitability for backyard flocks, these two breeds couldn’t be more different.

If you’re torn between raising Rouens or Mallards—or simply want to understand the difference—this detailed comparison covers everything from appearance to temperament and beyond.

Rouen Ducks vs Mallard Ducks: Key Differences

Rouen ducks are domesticated, heavier birds ideal for backyard settings, while Mallards are smaller, wild ducks known for flight and adaptability to natural environments.

Feature	Rouen Duck	Mallard Duck
Origin	France	North America, Europe, Asia
Weight (Drake)	8–10 lbs	2.5–3 lbs
Egg Production	100–150 eggs/year	50–100 eggs/year
Temperament	Calm, friendly, easy to tame	Flighty, cautious, semi-wild
Flying Ability	Flightless	Excellent flyers
Meat Quality	High-quality, rich flavor	Leaner, gamey flavor
Coloring	Similar to Mallard, but darker and fuller	Classic wild duck coloring
Domesticated?	Yes	No (wild species)

Appearance: Are Rouens and Mallards Identical?

At first glance, yes—but look closer, and you’ll see big differences in size and body shape.

Both drakes have iridescent green heads, white neck rings, chestnut breasts, and gray bodies. Hens in both breeds are mottled brown with orange bills. However:

• Rouens are much heavier with fuller chests and more horizontal posture
• Mallards are slender, upright, and agile—built for flight and speed

You can also identify a Rouen by its dual black stripes running across the face, which Mallards don’t have.

Temperament and Behavior

Rouen Ducks:

• Docile, laid-back, and slow-moving
• Great for children and beginners
• Rarely fly or wander far
• Enjoy being hand-fed and often bond with caretakers

Mallard Ducks:

• Skittish and easily startled
• Harder to tame and may resist handling
• Very active, love to forage and explore
• Will fly away without wing clipping or penning

If you’re looking for a duck that stays close, trusts humans, and integrates well into a backyard flock—Rouens are the way to go.

Egg Laying Comparison

Neither Rouen nor Mallard ducks are prolific egg layers like Khaki Campbells or Golden 300s. However, they can still provide a steady supply of medium to large eggs.

Rouen Duck Egg Production:

• 100–150 eggs per year
• Light blue or white shells
• Begin laying around 6 months of age

Mallard Duck Egg Production:

• 50–100 eggs per year
• Often seasonal layers (spring)
• More likely to go broody and hatch ducklings

Rouens are better if you want a steady egg supply, while Mallards are excellent for natural hatching and brooding behaviors.

Flight and Containment Needs

This is one of the biggest differences between the two breeds.

Rouens:

• Too heavy to fly
• Containment is easy—low fencing or open areas are usually fine
• Great for free-ranging without escape risk

Mallards:

• Strong fliers that can easily escape backyard setups
• Require wing clipping or enclosed aviaries
• Can migrate or join wild flocks if unconfined

If you’re in a suburban area or want to avoid duck runaways, Rouens are the safer choice.

Meat Production: Which Tastes Better?

Rouen ducks are the clear winner for meat quality and size. Originally bred as meat birds in France, they offer rich, tender, and flavorful meat with less gaminess than wild duck.

Mallards, being smaller and wild, have leaner meat with a strong, gamey flavor. They’re better suited for hunting and wild game dishes, not for regular table use.

Rouen Meat Pros:

• Weighs up to 8–10 lbs dressed
• Milder taste, less fat loss during cooking
• Ideal for roasts, stews, and smoking

Mallard Meat Pros:

• Leaner for specialized dishes
• Great flavor when marinated or slow cooked

Noise Levels: Which Duck Is Quieter?

Both breeds are considered moderate in noise—but Mallards can be more vocal when startled or during flight.

Rouens tend to be quiet, low-energy birds. Mallards, being alert and high-strung, make frequent “quacking” calls when disturbed. If you’re in a neighborhood with noise sensitivity, Rouens are the better choice.

Raising for Pets vs Homestead Use

Best for Pets:

• Rouens are friendly, affectionate, and love treats
• They tolerate being petted and are calm around kids

Best for Homesteading:

• Mallards are hardy, great for pest control and foraging
• More independent and less susceptible to confinement stress

If you’re planning to integrate ducks into your garden or backyard, consider what role they’ll play—companionship or production.

Housing and Space Requirements

Both breeds need protection from predators, access to water, and dry bedding. However, their space needs differ slightly due to behavior.

Rouen Housing Tips:

• 3–5 sq ft per bird inside the coop
• At least 10–15 sq ft per bird outdoors
• Low fencing (2–3 ft) is usually enough

Mallard Housing Tips:

• Enclosed runs or aviaries to prevent escape
• Clip wings if free-ranging is necessary
• More hiding spots or brush to reduce stress

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Rouen ducks if you want:

• Docile, low-maintenance ducks for your backyard
• A dual-purpose breed for eggs and meat
• Birds that won’t fly away or need clipping

Choose Mallard ducks if you want:

• A more natural, wild-type duck experience
• Ducks for ornamental ponds or wildlife observation
• Broody hens for natural hatching and breeding

Want to Raise Healthier, Happier Ducks?

Whether you’re choosing Mallards or Rouens, understanding their health needs is key to raising thriving birds. That’s where The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies comes in.

This essential guide gives you over 100 proven, natural solutions to common poultry and homesteading health problems—no expensive vet bills, no harmful chemicals. It’s a must-have for every backyard keeper.

And if you want to build your own duck houses, floating feeders, or solar-powered watering systems, don’t miss the DIY Woodworking and Survival Plans Guide. Thousands of step-by-step projects—tailored for small farms and self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

Rouen ducks and Mallard ducks may look alike, but their differences run deep. From size and temperament to flying ability and purpose, each breed has its place depending on your goals. Whether you’re homesteading, raising pets, or looking to enhance your flock, choosing the right duck makes all the difference.

Ready to raise smarter, healthier birds? Get The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies now. Building a better duck habitat? Start with the DIY & Off-Grid Plans Guide and get to work.