Cayuga Ducks
Cayuga Ducks are characterized primarily by a black bill and black plumage with a beautiful iridescent green sheen in the correct light. Their coloring makes the adults one of the most beautiful of the domestic duck breeds. As the Cayuga Ducks age, they will gradually develop more light colored feathers, especially the females. This is natural for older Cayuga ducks. The breed is thought to have been developed from the Black Duck breed in the Lake Cayuga region of New York, being one of the only domestic duck breeds developed in the United States.
Cayugas are recognized as one of the most adaptable of all domesticated ducks and are active foragers. Adults are fond of eating snails, slugs, and most other insects. They are the most popular exhibition breed in the medium weight class. The Cayuga is not a prolific egg layer by any means, but they are known to lay varying shades of gray eggs. Rarely, a Cayuga female will even produce a pure black egg.
For those who wish to keep ducks, but live close to others that would make keeping the
Pekin impractical because of the loud quack, The
Cayuga duck is a recommended alternative as its quack is not as loud or frequent as the
Pekin duck. These ducks exemplify a quiet, calm, docile temperament and they do not fly.
Cayuga ducks tend to stay close to home, making them an excellent choice for a home flock or as yard pets.
Cayuga Duck
The
Cayuga breed is one of few ducks to originate in the U.S..
Cayugas are thought to have been developed from ducks in the region of Lake Cayuga known as the Finger Lakes region in New York.
Cayugas are prolific ducks and can lay 100-150 eggs per year and they will sit on and hatch her eggs more often than other domestic breeds of ducks.
Cayuga eggs can be used for general eating and baking purposes.
Cayuga meat is known to be of excellent taste and fine quality.
Cayuga ducks are listen as "Threatened" on the ALBC (American Livestock Breed Conservancy) Conservation Priority List.
Here is a short clip of a male and female pair of mature
Cayuga Ducks:
