Ducks are beautiful birds that are also known as waterfowl. These playful water birds can be found in both fresh and salt water.
They share many characteristics with swans and geese, and they all belong to the Anatidae family.
Contrary to popular belief, many duck species are excellent flyers, especially when migrating.
However, not all ducks can fly, and some others can only fly for short distances. This has led to a frequently asked question “Can Rouen Duck Fly” Continue reading if you want to find out!
Can Rouen Duck Fly?
The Rouen Duck is among the species of ducks that cannot fly.
This bird is unable to fly primarily because of its weight; it is regarded as a heavyweight duck because it weighs between 9 to 10 pounds.
Their body weight makes them unable to get off the ground. If you need a duck for domestic purposes, the Rouen duck makes a perfect choice.
However, they are best raised as a pet since they aren’t fantastic layers.
Usually, Rouen ducks are reared primarily for their meat and beautiful colored feathers, which are used for exhibitions and decorations.
If you want to find out more about Rouen ducks keep reading!
Will My Rouen Ducks Fly Away?
You don’t have to worry about your Rouen Ducks flying away because they are flightless birds.
Other duck species can fly away though. According to research, these ducks can fly for an average of 800 miles; they can fly at an average speed of 50 mph.
When the weather is very cold, ducks are usually left with no option but to migrate to warmer locations.
Most duck species are fast flyers, having the ability to fly for a long period. Here is the reason why they can fly for that long;
- Ducks fly with the V-formation mechanism, this process involves some lead ducks flying in the V-formation. While some birds stay in front as leaders, the others stay behind.
When they are in this position they flap their wings, this creates a draft of air which helps to lift the ducks following them behind.
While the ducks in from are flapping their wings to keep the other suspended in the air, the follower ducks are preserving their energy.
When the ducks are exhausted they switch positions so that the previous leader ducks can gather their strength again.
The V-formation helps them to travel long distances, it also protects them from predators.
Asides from camouflage, flight ducks have no other means of escaping predators other than flying.
- Another reason why flight ducks fly very fast is because they are generally lightweight. They have hollow bones and lightweight skeletons which enable them to fly with ease.
One amazing fact about flight ducks is the fact that they start flying very early.
As early as 50 to 60 days, their wings and feathers get strong enough to permit them to fly.
Can Rouen Ducks Live In The Wild?
Rouen Ducks are usually kept in captivity; however, they can also live in the wild.
In the wild, they live in groups mainly around water supply such as ponds and lakes.
Rouen Ducks tend to have a shorter life span when they are in the wild.
This is due to harsh environmental conditions, exposure to predators, and diseases.
They can survive in the wild for about 5 years while they can survive in captivity for over 12 years.
Rouen Ducks lay about 125 eggs a year, and, their eggs do not have a high market demand.
This makes them the wrong choice for egg laying. These birds are better kept as pets; however, they can be reared for meat production.
Also, because of their colorful feathers, they are often reared for decorative and exhibition purposes.
These water birds are very friendly and social, which is why they can be seen hanging around in groups.
However this bird can be aggressive and bite if it feels threatened, this is a rare occurrence though. So when you’re around them, avoid whatever would get them scared or feel threatened.
What’s The Difference Between A Rouen And A Mallard?
Mallards are often mistaken to be Rouen ducks; this is because they both possess blue speculum feathers.
Some other things they share in common include their eating habits and love for the water. They are also both omnivores, so they feed on plants and small animals.
However they have a lot of differentiating factors, let’s have a look at some of these factors;
- First off, Rouen ducks and mallards have different colors. Rouen ducks have a mahogany brown body while mallards have a grayish-colored body.
- Rouen Ducks have brighter blue speculum feathers compared to that mallards.
- Rouen Ducks have two stripes that run across their face while mallards have just one.
- Mallards are not nearly as friendly as Rouen Ducks. Mallards typically avoid interacting with people. Mallard, in contrast to Rouens, feels threatened by human presence. On the other hand, Rouen Duck typically enjoys being around people, though occasionally they may feel threatened.
- Mallards are indeed wild birds; they have a higher chance of surviving in the wild compared to Rouen Ducks. Mallards can withstand extremely cold temperatures, whereas Rouen Ducks have very little tolerance for cold.
- Rouen Ducks are flightless birds while mallard ducks are good flyers with incredible speed.
- Rouen ducks are easier to tame while mallard ducks are a lot more difficult to tame. Mallards have a fierce temperament and they are easily provoked, taming them isn’t impossible it’s just not easy.
Is There A Duck That Cannot Fly?
Yes, not all ducks have the ability to fly; asides from Rouen, the following ducks are also flightless;
Pekin Duck
The Pekin Duck also has the issue of being weighty. Because they are reared primary as food, they are usually fed fat and this makes them very weighty.
Although they can fly a few steps away from the ground, they can’t soar.
Cayuga Duck
The Cayuga Duck is just like the Rouen Duck, it can’t fly at all. Both the Cayuga and Pekin Duck have small wings; this is another contributing factor as to why they cannot fly.
Ancona Duck
Ancona, a flightless duck breed usually found in houses, marshes, oceans, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Ancona is a great choice if you need a good egg layer duck. They can produce 210 to 280 eggs a year.
Indian Runner
As their name implies, this duck has a profound running ability. They are usually seen standing erect just like penguins.
The Indian runner is also a great choice for a layer duck; they can produce up to 300 to 350 eggs per year which is quite impressive.
Buff Duck
Buff duck is as friendly and social as the Rouen Duck, they are flightless but they are great for meat and egg production.
They can produce about 220 eggs per year. These flightless birds also produce very big meat; this is why they are usually fed fat.
Their size also contributes to the reason why they are unable to fly.
Can Rouen Ducks Fly Over Fences?
Rouen Ducks as earlier stated are flightless ducks; this is because of their big body weight.
These flightless birds aren’t jumpers as well so the chance of jumping up a fence is zero. The mallard breeds are a good example of ducks that can fly over a fence.
Can Rouen Ducks Fly Into Trees?
Rouen Ducks cannot fly; hence they can fly into trees. They are not designed to roost hence they don’t have the features roosting birds possess.
However, some ducks can comfortably fly into trees with so much ease; examples of such ducks are the mallards and call ducks.
These ducks are exceptional flight ducks.
Conclusion
Rouen Ducks are flightless ducks, these ducks weigh between 9-10 pounds and this makes them unable to fly.
These weighty Rouen ducks are domestic ducks, which are best kept as pets.
The Rouen ducks are reared mainly for their meat but not for their eggs.
They have a very low egg laying capacity; also, their eggs aren’t quite popular in the market. So, it will be a waste to rear them for these purposes.
