River Falls Journal

The Good Points in the Rouen Duck.

We have raised Rouen ducks for three seasons, and they are growing in favor on the farm and, judging from sales, elsewhere. They are without doubt the descendants of the Mallard, and are the result of persistent breeding for size through many generations. They are the Shorthorns of the duck family, growing with great rapidity, and attaining a larger size at maturity than most other varieties. It is not uncommon for them to weigh four pounds at two or three months old, making them very desirable to raise for the summer market at watering places, where poultry brings the highest price. At maturity they will weigh from eight to ten pounds if well fed, which is a matter of importance in raising Rouens.

They are very superior layers, beginning quite early in the spring and not unfrequently laying in the fall. They are more careful of laying in the nest than the other varieties, and there is much less danger of losing eggs when they have their liberty. The eggs are large and of excellent quality. They are as domestic as dung-hill fowls, never wandering far from the yard. If they have fresh water in a trough every day it will meet all their wants, and they will thrive nicely. For the ducklings, a shallow vessel like a bake pan, an inch or two deep, answers a good purpose. Clean, fresh water every day is of more importance than the quantity.

The secret of large growth does not lie altogether in imported stock of the largest size. The large stock is exceedingly desirable, but it will soon deteriorate without full feed and constant attention. If you want Rouens of large size feed regularly and often from the time the ducklings begin to eat until they attain maturity. Coarse Indian meal or hominy scalded is good staple food, but this should be varied occasionally with other grain, grass, vegetables, and market food. Offal from the fish or butcher's market is highly relished, and makes them thrive.

—American Agriculturist