The Cayuga Duck
The Cayuga Duck (Anas platyrhynochos) takes its name from Lake Cayuga, New York that makes it one of the few duck breeds with a United States origin. It carries the blood of the wild black duck, the Black East India, and probably some Rouen blood was introduced for the purpose of somewhat larger size. The Cayuga is a quiet duck that is very hardy and is known primarily for its brilliant "beetle" green plumage. The hens, which weigh 5 to 6 pounds, lay a light blue or grey egg and the males grow to between 6 and 7 pounds. Ducklings have black feet and bills, black down, and have an occasional trace of yellow on their breast.
A Cayuga Duck is a breed of domesticated duck used for egg and meat production as well as an ornamental bird. The traditional story for the development of this breed is that a miller in Dutchess County – USA - captured two wild black ducks and used pinioning to keep them at his pond. The offspring of this pair was prized for very tasty meat and breeding efficiency.
As mentioned above adult Cayuga ducks weigh approximately 6 pounds and are characterised by a black bill and black plumage which is an iridescent beetle green in the correct light. The Cayuga duck has black shanks and toes. Ducklings have black plumage.
For those who wish to keep ducks, but live close to others that would make keeping the Pekin breed impractical because of the loud quack, the Cayuga Duck may be an alternative as its quack is not as loud or frequent as the Pekin. The temperament of the Cayuga Duck is docile.
The Cayuga Duck will more often sit on and hatch her eggs than other domestic breeds of duck. Incubation for the eggs is 28 days. When using an incubator the temperature should be 99.5 °F at 86% humidity for days 1-25, and 98.5 °F at 94% humidity for days 26-28.
This breed of duck is listed as threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy so we are doing our bit across the pond!
As with all our birds we have ducklings and hatching eggs for sale and delivery is throughout the UK. And again, we would like to kindly remind you that orders are taken in advance. As you may already know, good things come to those who wait!
Look forward to hearing from you!
Get in touch
Contact Us
