Rouen Clair Duck
Anas platyrhynchos rouen_clair

Description:  Rouen Ducks are domestic ducks which are similar in color and pattern to wild Mallard Ducks, but are much larger in size.  Females are brown in color with a blue stripe on each wing.  Males also have brown bodies with blue wing stripes, and also have green heads, red chests, and a white stripe around the neck.

Size:  Mature adults weigh 7-8 pounds.

Individual animal information:  The Rouen Ducks at Cosley Zoo come from various sources, including breeders and donations.

Adaptations: 

• One reason ducks are able to stay afloat in the water is because of air sacs inside their bodies that increase their buoyancy. 
• Ducks’ feathers trap air in between them, which is another adaptation that helps them to float.  Their feathers are also covered with a waterproof substance that keeps the ducks warm and dry. 
• Ducks’ webbed feet allow them to maneuver easily in the water. 
• Many ducks are excellent fliers due to their streamlined bodies, powerful wings, and hollow bones that weigh much less than the solid bones of mammals.  Although Rouen Ducks are poor fliers due to their large, heavy bodies, they do have the strong wings and hollow bones that are common to other types of ducks.
• Ducks do not have teeth, but they do have bumpy edges on their bills that help them to filter food out of the water.  Food is then swallowed and ground up in the gizzard, a part of the stomach that contains small rocks for breaking down food.  

Diet:  The ducks at Cosley Zoo are fed commercially prepared duck food pellets.

Reproduction:  Rouen Ducks are poor egg layers, producing fewer than 125 eggs per year.  The incubation period for duck eggs is approximately 28 days.

Shelter and space needs:  Domestic ducks require shelter from the wind and rain, access to food and water, and fencing to keep them contained.  Rouen Ducks require only a low fence due to their limited flight ability.  The ducks at Cosley Zoo are kept on a pond surrounded by trees and shrubs that serve as shelter. 

Life expectancy:  Domestic ducks kept as pets live an average of 8-12 years.

Relationship with man:  Rouen Ducks are raised primarily for meat.  Their eggs can also be eaten.

Fun Facts

• The Rouen Duck breed originated in France.
• The water in the Cosley Zoo duck pond often looks green, but that’s not because it’s dirty!  The green dye that we put in there helps to block sunlight, which keeps algae from taking over the pond.
• A group of ducks is called a brace.
• A male duck is called a drake, and young ducks are called ducklings.