Feathers begin to lose their tone and turn white in older Cayuga ducks.īoth males and females have the same coloration and can be challenging to tell apart. Their beaks and feet are also a deep black to dusky color, though they may become more orange as ducks mature. Depending on how the light hits their feathers, their iridescence may shine emerald green, vivid blue, or even deep purple. Physical Characteristics of Cayuga DuckĬayuga ducks are known for their dark yet colorful plumage. Healthy yolks will often have a bolder flavor than traditional chicken eggs with a thick, creamy consistency. Hens can lay over one hundred large-sized eggs in a year. While not as prolific as breeds such as the Pekin duck, people do keep Cayuga ducks as layers. You can butcher Cayuga ducks as early as eight weeks, though many breeders will recommend waiting until 12 weeks for best results. Many say that the breed has a flavor akin to prime beef. However, farmers originally bred Cayuga ducks for their delicious, tender meat. Thanks to their bright, iridescent coloring, they make popular show birds and ornamental pets. Nowadays, Cayuga ducks exist exclusively as domesticated poultry. It was recognized slightly later in the United Kingdom by the British Standard of Perfection.

In 1874, the Cayuga duck joined legions of other breeds in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection. Locals named the bird “Cayuga” in honor of the native tribe of the area. The breed was an instant hit, particularly amongst New York area duck farmers. Clark introduced the Cayuga duck to the Finger Lakes region around 1840. What historians can agree on is that one John S.

Instead, it’s thought that the black duck of Lancashire transformed into the modern Cayuga. Some speculate that this species of black duck didn’t disappear but instead experienced a severe bottleneck effect that changed its evolutionary path. However, this breed of wild black duck disappeared around the 1880s, only to get replaced by the Aylesbury duck. The breed is similar in appearance and behavior to a variety of black duck commonly found in the Lancashire regions in the mid-1800s. An unnamed miller in Dutchess County captured and bred these wild birds, eventually ending up with what we know as the Cayuga.Īn opposing theory states that the Cayuga first originated not in New York but overseas in England. According to local New York lore, Cayuga ducks came from a population of local wild ducks with dark coloration. The Cayuga duck has a history that dates back to the 1800s, but there’s some controversy about the exact origins of the breed. If you plan on adding a Cayuga duck to your flock, it’s important to know the care basics so that you raise a happy and healthy bird. Thanks to their robust, stocky build, Cayuga ducks also make excellent dual-purpose meat birds and egg layers. Nonetheless, the LC additionally states, “The Cayuga is in a superb place to extend quickly in numbers with little effort.” They’re obtainable at a lot of the giant poultry hatcheries.īody Sort: The Cayuga is a medium-sized duck with a big breast.The Cayuga duck is a beautiful breed with unique black, iridescent coloring that makes it a popular ornamental addition to many gardens. Livestock Conservancy Standing: Threatened, which means there are fewer than 1000 breeding birds. The bill, legs, and toes are black as properly, although the bill can have an olive tinge.Īs Cayugas age, their feathers will typically start to vary colors – like some people, they “go grey.” Their toes may even start to look extra orange with age.

Colors: The Cayuga’s color is its most distinguishing attribute.

The breed was a favorite with farmers till the 1890s when Pekins got here to dominate the market. The Cayuga was accepted into the American Poultry Affiliation’s Commonplace of Perfection in 1874. One other chance is that the Cayuga originated from a black duck breed that was generally present in Lancashire, England, however that has since disappeared as a result of breeders most popular the Aylesbury. It is a fairly good story, however, there’s probably not any proof to again it up. The miller pinioned the wild geese, who promptly settled down and commenced producing copious offspring. In keeping with native lore, the Cayuga duck breed developed from a pair of untamed geese miller captured two wild, black geese on his mill pond in Dutchess County, New York, the place Cayuga Lake is positioned.

Cayuga duck sounds