Cayuga ducks are calm, intelligent, and friendly, making them a great addition to a backyard flock. Their eye-catching appearance and unique color make them a top choice for many backyard duck owners. Cayuga ducks are also among the top 9 duck breeds for sale in 2022!
History of the Cayuga Duck Breed
The Cayuga duck is a breed of domesticated duck that originated in the United States, specifically in the Cayuga Lake region in upstate New York. It is named after the lake where it was first bred, which is believed to have been developed from the wild black duck.
Cayuga duck figure
- Calm and Docile: Cayuga ducks are known to be calm, docile birds and generally gentle towards people.
- Curious and Active: These ducks are known to be curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. They are also very active and enjoy swimming and foraging.
- Intelligent: Cayuga ducks are thought to be intelligent and quick learners. They are also good problem solvers.
- Independent: Although Cayuga ducks enjoy the company of humans, they are also independent birds and can entertain themselves for hours without human interaction.
- Quiet: Cayuga ducks are not particularly vocal and tend to make soft quacking sounds. This makes them a good choice for urban environments where noise may be an issue.
The appearance of the Cayuga duck
The Cayuga is known for its striking appearance, with black plumage with an iridescent green sheen in some lighting. Its body size is relatively small, with an average weight of about 5-7 pounds. Their bills and feet are black or dark grey, and their eyes are brown.
Interestingly enough, Cayugas turn almost white after several years, and their black legs become orange as they age.
Egg color and cayuga duck production
Cayuga are good layers, producing around 130-180 eggs per year. Their eggs have black or dark gray shells early in the season, and turn from lightening to light gray, blue, green, or even white at the end of the season.
Care and health of Cayuga ducks
Cayuga ducks are relatively easy to care for and make great pets, but like all animals, they require proper care and attention to stay healthy and happy. Here are some tips for caring for a Cayuga duck. If cared for properly, the Cayuga can live 7 to 10 years. They are also known for their hardiness and adaptability and can perform well in various climates.