The Cayuga duck is a beautiful breed with unique black, iridescent coloring that makes it a popular ornamental addition to many gardens. Thanks to their robust, stocky build, Cayuga ducks also make excellent dual-purpose meat birds and egg layers. 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.
Cayuga Duck Origins and Uses
The Cayuga duck has a history that dates back to the 1800s, but there’s some controversy about the exact origins of the breed. According to local New York lore, Cayuga ducks came from a population of local wild ducks with dark coloration. An unnamed miller in Dutchess County captured and bred these wild birds, eventually ending up with what we know as the Cayuga.
An opposing theory states that the Cayuga first originated not in New York but overseas in England. The breed is similar in appearance and behavior to a variety of black duck commonly found in the Lancashire regions in the mid-1800s. However, this breed of wild black duck disappeared around the 1880s, only to get replaced by the Aylesbury duck.
Some speculate that this species of black duck didn’t disappear but instead experienced a severe bottleneck effect that changed its evolutionary path. Instead, it’s thought that the black duck of Lancashire transformed into the modern Cayuga.
What historians can agree on is that one John S. Clark introduced the Cayuga duck to the Finger Lakes region around 1840. The breed was an instant hit, particularly amongst New York area duck farmers. Locals named the bird “Cayuga” in honor of the native tribe of the area.
In 1874, the Cayuga duck joined legions of other breeds in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection. It was recognized slightly later in the United Kingdom by the British Standard of Perfection.
Nowadays, Cayuga ducks exist exclusively as domesticated poultry. Thanks to their bright, iridescent coloring, they make popular show birds and ornamental pets. However, farmers originally bred Cayuga ducks for their delicious, tender meat. Many say that the breed has a flavor akin to prime beef. You can butcher Cayuga ducks as early as eight weeks, though many breeders will recommend waiting until 12 weeks for best results.
While not as prolific as breeds such as the Pekin duck, people do keep Cayuga ducks as layers. Hens can lay over one hundred large-sized eggs in a year. Healthy yolks will often have a bolder flavor than traditional chicken eggs with a thick, creamy consistency.
Physical Characteristics of Cayuga Duck
Cayuga ducks are known for their dark yet colorful plumage. Depending on how the light hits their feathers, their iridescence may shine emerald green, vivid blue, or even deep purple. Their beaks and feet are also a deep black to dusky color, though they may become more orange as ducks mature. Feathers begin to lose their tone and turn white in older Cayuga ducks.
Both males and females have the same coloration and can be challenging to tell apart. However, males tend to be slightly larger than females, weighing an average of 8 pounds at maturity as opposed to 7 pounds. Both are medium-class birds, making them larger than other popular breeds such as the Orpington or the Blue Swedish duck.
Do Cayuga Ducks Fly?
Fortunately for backyard owners, Cayuga ducks aren’t good at flying. They have a fairly heavy body, and so they can only get a couple of inches of lift at best. Because of this, fences only need to be a couple of feet high to keep a flock of Cuyagas contained.
However, keep in mind that a short fence may not keep out predators. Animals such as foxes, raccoons, and coyotes can easily get past even tall enclosures. If you live in an area where your ducks are at risk of an attack, you may want to build a fully enclosed run for your flock—flightless or not.
Cayuga Duck Lifespan
With proper care, Cayuga ducks can live 8 to 10 years in captivity. Proper exercise, nutrition, and enrichment can help to ensure longevity in your flock. Domesticated ducks such as the Cayuga tend to live longer than wild breeds, which have to contend with predators, habitat loss, and disease.
Ducks in captivity can get exposed to disease as well, especially if you introduce a new bird without quarantining first. There are many common illnesses that spread quickly between ducks and can decrease their lifespan or even prove fatal.
Even if you keep your ducks safe and isolated from potential illnesses, they may still suffer from parasitic infections. Since ducks root around in wet soil, they’re susceptible to contracting worms. It’s a good idea to give ducks worming medication a couple of times a year to maintain optimal health.
Cayuga Duck Diet
Cayuga ducks are foragers. They prefer a free-range setting where they can dig for worms and grubs, sniff out nuts and berries, and nibble on fresh plants and algae. Adults will often spend most of the day in search of food, especially if foraging is their primary method of feeding.
Many backyard poultry owners will supplement their flock’s diet with commercial pellets formulated especially for ducks. You can find mixes with extra protein for chicks and growing meat birds, as well as high-calcium mixes for egg layers. It’s best to feed ducks the appropriate pellets for their age and lifestyle.
You can leave pellets in a safe, dry area all day to allow ducks to feed at will. It’s also a good idea to provide a small amount of fresh produce, nuts, and seeds at least twice per day. This way, your flock will get all of the nutrients that they need to thrive.
Cayuga Duck Breeding and Egg Production
Cayuga ducks reach their full size at around 12 weeks of age, but hens don’t start laying eggs until they’re around five months old. They lay eggs year-round, which means that they can mate year-round. These ducks tend to choose seasonal mates instead of mating for life like species such as swans, geese, and whistling ducks.
This breed lays up to three eggs a week, though the exact number can vary between individual hens. Most Cayuga ducks lay around 100 to 150 eggs annually. This number is far fewer than ducks such as the Campbell or the Orpington, which is why the Cayuga isn’t quite as popular as a layer.
Like their feathers, Caguyas lay striking black eggs prized for both their taste and their unique appearance. Eggs don’t maintain the same color as the year progresses, however. Farther into the season, eggs begin to gradually lighten until they’re gray to white in appearance. Cayuga eggs are large in size, weighing up to 90 g in some cases.
Once their eggs have hatched, Cayuga hens have a strong tendency to become broody. They’ll act incredibly protectively towards their nest, perhaps even showing aggression towards humans who wander too close. A broody mother may also accept eggs that other hens have abandoned.
Cayuga Duck Behavior
Cayuga ducks are friendly and curious creatures that make a delightful addition to any flock. When raised by hand, Cuyagas can be particularly affectionate. When they’re not busy foraging, they’ll often spend time socializing with flockmates and humans alike.
The only time that Cuyaga ducks may get aggressive is when feeling broody. Like most social duck breeds, this breed has a strong nurturing instinct that easily takes hold when left alone with eggs. The best way to prevent broodiness is to remove eggs and nesting material from your duck’s space and encourage them to get outside and explore.
Keeping Cayuga Ducks as Pets
Cayuga ducks are a popular pet breed for families, thanks to their friendly disposition. They’re a quiet breed that doesn’t quack or honk much, making them an ideal choice for an urban or suburban setting. They’re also docile enough to get along with children, household pets, and other livestock.
If smell is a concern, you may want to set up your Cayuga flock far from your living area. With their diet of fish, algae, and other pond critters, a Cayuga duck’s waste can create quite a stink. It’s important to clean their habitat regularly, including any ponds or water basins.
Tips on Cayuga Duck Care
- Cayuga ducks may overheat without a source of fresh, clean water. They need a pool, pond, or water basin at all times for swimming and bathing.
- As foragers, Cayugas prefer plenty of space. Each duck should have at least twelve sq ft of space to roam and five sq ft of interior space.
- Ducks should have access to loose rocks or gravel to help aid in digestion.
- Drakes may clash without enough hens present. You should aim to have 4 to 6 females for every male in your flock.
Cayuga Duck Cost
The Cayuga duck is a rare breed, so birds tend to be on the pricier side for backyard poultry owners. The cheapest way to raise a flock is to buy them as ducklings. A Cayuga duckling can cost anywhere between $3 and $12, with females being more expensive than males. Many hatcheries will offer a price break if you purchase multiple chicks at once.
You can also hatch ducklings from a fertilized egg as long as you have equipment such as an incubator. Eggs are often slightly pricier than baby ducklings, though they may be easier to ship and transport. You can buy both eggs and ducklings from online hatcheries, livestock and farming stores, or by visiting a local breeder.
Adult Cayuga ducks can be expensive, with males often costing around $50 and females costing as high as $100. You can buy mature birds from some livestock stores, though you may have more luck with a breeder. You can sometimes find adult ducks in your local classifieds as well. No matter where your new addition comes from, it’s important to make sure you quarantine it before introducing it to the rest of your flock.
In addition to the initial costs, prospective duck owners also have to consider maintenance and upkeep expenses. While the initial cost of setting up a habitat can run several hundred dollars, keeping a flock fed year after year is often fairly cheap. Many backyard poultry owners spend less than $100 annually feeding their flock.
Noteworthy Facts about Cayuga Ducks
- A Cayuga duck’s feathers start to turn white as they age—just like human hair!
- The Cayuga duck is listed as “threatened” according to the American Livestock Conservancy.
- Cayuga hens tend to be louder than drakes.
Info Table
| Purpose | Eggs and meat |
| Country of origin | Unknown |
| Breed Class | Medium |
| Weight – Drake | 8 lbs |
| Weight – Hen | 7 lbs |
| Eggs per year | 100 to 150 |
| Egg size | Large |
| Egg weight | 75 to 90 g |
| Egg production age | 5 months |
| Diet | Foraging |
| Lifespan | 8 to 12 years |
| Flying ability | None |
| Personality | Docile |
| Distinguishing features | Dark, iridescent plumage |
| Varieties | None |
| Cost (USD) | $3 to $12 (chicks), $50 to $100 (adults) |