What's better to raise, Mallard or Rouen?

[FriendlyFlyer]

So I really like the look and affordability of both the Mallard and Rouen ducks but I'm not sure which type would be better to raise. I'm only looking to have them for entertainment (fun, ornamental purposes, whatever suits you better). They would be free ranging with my chickens if I did have them, that way they can get to all of the wonderful grass and bugs. Would a domesticated mallard (like they sell at Ideal Poultry) be too wild to free range? Will they fly off? Will they come to the coop at night? What about the Rouen, will they come to the coop at night? I know Rouen's are not good flyers so I don't have to worry about them going anywhere. I really like that the mallard is smaller. I'm not the biggest fan of fat (if you will) ducks. So, what do you think? Which one? Thank you.

 

[Kevin565]

So I really like the look and affordability of both the Mallard and Rouen ducks but I'm not sure which type would be better to raise. I'm only looking to have them for entertainment (fun, ornamental purposes, whatever suits you better). They would be free ranging with my chickens if I did have them, that way they can get to all of the wonderful grass and bugs.


Would a domesticated mallard (like they sell at Ideal Poultry) be too wild to free range No not all. They have many generations apart from wild mallards.


Will they fly off? Though unlikely it is still possible they could fly off.

Will they come to the coop at night? My mallards go to the coop at night.

What about the Rouen, will they come to the coop at night? I don't have mallards so I can speak for the breed.

I know Rouen's are not good flyers so I don't have to worry about them going anywhere. I really like that the mallard is smaller. I'm not the biggest fan of fat (if you will) ducks. So,


what do you think? Which one?Since your just personally going for a pet I'd vote mallards.

Thank you.

 

[dumb_cluck]

Mallards can fly, Rouens cannot.
Mallards are a batam size, Rouens are large size.
Both have great personalities.
Mallard hens lay well, Rouens? don't know
Mallards eat less, Rouens ...more (same for the "leftovers")

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

I have rouens, anconas, and welsh harlequins. And out of them all. My rouen drake and his mate are the sweetest ones out of 10 ducks. I can go up and pick them up with out any fuss. And if you dont want the fat kind, just get them from a hatchery. Hatchery rouens look alot like bigger mallards. I have the hatchery kind, and they only weigh about 7 lbs for a drake, and 6 lbs for a hen. Not that big at all.

I dont have mallards, so I connot speak for them. But rouens are very VERY good pets!

 

[jdywntr]

I'm not sure if you are only considering mallards and rouens ( I am partial to Rouens but mine are only 3 weeks old so I don't have much to say yet). I would worry about flying with mallards since they can and while they may not fly away they could get into more trouble if they are able to fly to an unprotected area.

Do you want something that you can pick up and pet? Do you want eggs/ducklings?

If you want personality and something fun to watch there are other breeds to consider.


Runners are hilarious. They are typically skittish but if handled alot when young are good pets. Typically not broody but mine was a WONDERFUL mom. They are small, good bug catchers and VERY easy to herd if they are going to be let out on open land. Can't fly.

Muscovy. The faces grow on you because the caruncles appear over the course of a few months. Very good foragers, great moms, boys are big girls petite but full of personality. My drake "talks" to me whenever I go outside. Can fly, clip girls wings until they know where home is.

Both breeds would come running whenever I had any treats. A few of my runners would eat out of my hand, the muscovy will grab treats if I'm not looking.

I have only had runners, muscovy and now rouens. They all have their +.

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

You would probably have a better chance with rouens, since they could not fly and mallards would have a much better chance of getting away (plus, they look would not amke that much of a difference except that rouens get bigger than mallards).

 

[SportTees]

Roens make better pets in my experience.




Muscovys are far more funny pets though

 

[sunflowerlady]

I have both mallard and rouen. My mallards are excellent free ranging ducks even though they do fly. But Tue first time seeing them take their first flight is just incredible. It was almost like watching my child take their first steps! And as they older,stronger and braver they fly for longer distances but mine ALWAYS return home. I will say that these are the noisiest ducks I have. But I love to hear the chatter. Matter of fact one of my mallards wasn't a good flyer so when her siblings went up in route she would do a "homing" call so they knew where to go. Even though I believe they always know where home is.

Now as far as rouens...they are very much like the mallard in the free range and the noise they just don't really fly. My male can get a few feet off the ground but that's about it. Of course being a larger duck they tend to est more which can be more money on your part. I guess if it was my choice I personally would go for the mallard. Hope I could help!

 

[Jferlisi]

So is there any way to tell the dif at birth for either of these as to which is male and which is female?

 

[sunflowerlady]

So is there any way to tell the dif at birth for either of these as to which is male and which is female?

Not that I have been able to do. I have to wait until they are 2-3 months old when they start getting their true colors. They all look like females at first and then you will notice that the males will start changing color. Oh I almost forgot...the females are talkers as the males are quite. One way to tell sooner.