Cayuga Ducks: The Beautiful Black Duck Breed
Last updated on August 16th, 2024 at 08:30 pm
In this blog post, we wanted to introduce you to this beautiful black duck breed. We have two Cayuga Ducks ourselves, Simon and Ronja. Ronja, however, is not a pure breed; she is a mix between Cayuga and Mallard. This is why not all of the characteristics below are true for her.
Quick Breed Overview:
| Breed Facts | |
|---|---|
| Status | Domestic |
| Use | Eggs, Pets, Exhibition |
| Egg Color | Black fading to gray and eventually white |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Weight | Male – 7-8 lbs. Female – 6-7 lbs. |
| Temperament | Docile, Friendly, May become aggressive when broody |
| Characteristics | Seasonal mates; Broodiness; Prefers a cool climate |
History of Cayuga Ducks
The Cayuga duck is a medium-sized, black breed of domestic duck originating in the United States. It is named after the Cayuga people, a Native American tribe that lived in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
The exact origins of the Cayuga duck are unknown, but there are two main theories. Some believe the Cayuga duck was developed from a cross between the Black East Indies duck and the Rouen duck. Others believe the breed originated from a wild black duck found in Cayuga County, New York.
The first recorded mention of the Cayuga duck was in 1840, when John S. Clark obtained some ducks of this type in Orange County, New York, and took them to Cayuga County. The breed quickly became popular in the area, and by the 1850s, it was being exported to other parts of the United States. The Cayuga was first exhibited at the New York State Fair in 1842 and officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874.
The Cayuga duck quickly became popular in the United States, and by the 1870s, it was the most common duck breed in the country. It was prized for its dark plumage, which was resistant to fading, and its good laying ability. In the second half of the 19th century, the Cayuga duck became the principal duck breed reared for meat in the United States. However, in the late 19th century, the American Pekin duck began to displace the Cayuga duck in popularity. This was because the Pekin duck was larger and had white plumage, which made it more desirable for commercial growers.
Despite the decline in its popularity, the Cayuga duck has remained a popular breed among hobbyists and backyard poultry keepers.
Today, the American Poultry Association and the British Poultry Standards still recognize the Cayuga duck. The Livestock Conservancy lists the breed as ” Watch, ” meaning that it is a heritage breed at risk of extinction.
Characteristics of Cayuga Ducks
Cayuga ducks are medium-sized, with males typically weighing between 7 and 8 pounds and females weighing between 5 and 6 pounds. They have a distinctive black plumage with a green/blue/purple sheen most noticeable in the sunlight. The green sheen on Cayuga duck feathers is caused by a pigment called biliverdin, also found in human blood. Because of their distinctive color, Cayuga ducks are sometimes called “beetle-green” ducks.
Physical Traits
- Size and Weight: Males typically weigh between 7-8 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, around 5-6 pounds.
- Color Variations: Cayuga ducks are primarily black, but their plumage can exhibit green or purple iridescence.
- Distinctive Features: They have a distinctive green sheen to their feathers, especially noticeable under sunlight.
- Body Type: Upright breed. Long, broad, and deep. Prominent breast, keel well forward, forming a straight underline from stern to stern. The tail is carried well out and closely folded, with drakes having two or three well-curled feathers in the center.
- Head: Large
- Neck: Long, tapering, and gracefully curved
- Eye Color: Dark brown or black
- Legs and Feet: Black, may be tinged with orange in mature drakes. Straight and webbed, toes straight and connected by web
- Bill Color: Slate-black with a dense black saddle in the center, not touching the sides or coming within an inch of the end. The bean is black. The bill color may change to olive.
While the Cayuga’s plumage is initially uniformly greenish-black, it may become mottled with white as it ages, especially for females.
They are an upright breed with brown eyes, black legs, and feet that may be tinged in orange in drakes as they mature. Their bill is black but may change to olive, as our drake Simon beautifully demonstrated in the picture below.
Egg Production
- Laying Frequency: Cayuga ducks lay 100-150 large eggs per year, suitable for general eating and baking purposes.
- Broodiness: They become broody after laying 8-14 eggs and may exhibit aggressive behavior while sitting on their eggs.
- Egg Color: Initially black, their eggs lighten to gray and eventually become white as the season progresses.
- Mating Behavior: Cayugas tend to choose seasonal mates rather than forming lifelong bonds.
- Edibility of Eggs: Their eggs are rich and flavorful, often preferred for their high quality.
- Comparison with Other Breeds: While not as prolific as Khaki Campbells, Cayugas still provide a steady supply of eggs.
Behavior and Temperament
Cayuga ducks are known for their gentle nature. They are not as active as some other duck breeds, but they are very friendly and make good pets.
Cayuga ducks are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for first-time duck owners. They are also relatively quiet, making them a good choice for people who live in urban or suburban areas. Cayuga ducks are also intelligent and easy to train, and they are quite adaptable to different environments.
Cayuga ducks are a hardy breed and well-suited for cold climates.
Here are some additional facts about Cayuga ducks
- They are good swimmers and foragers.
- They are not as noisy as some other duck breeds.
- They are considered a threatened breed by the Livestock Conservancy.
- Cayuga ducks are a relatively rare breed, so you may have to do some searching to find a reputable breeder.
Conclusion
Overall, Cayuga ducks are a beautiful, docile, and easy-to-care-for breed of duck that is sure to add a touch of elegance to your backyard flock. If you are looking for a duck that is both beautiful and low-maintenance, then the Cayuga is an excellent option.
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