Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed Summary
The Cayuga duck is a robust, medium-to-large duck with glossy ebony-black plumage that shows a metallic greenish sheen in bright light. Adults have a compact body, a broad breast, and a calm, friendly temperament. Quantitative traits: mature drakes weigh about 4.5–5.5 kg (10–12 lb) and hens about 3.6–4.5 kg (8–10 lb). Egg production is typically 100–150 eggs per year, with eggs averaging about 60–68 g. Lifespan is commonly 8–12 years in good management. The breed is well-suited to free-range systems and small farms, offering reliable meat yield and steady egg production. Plumage remains uniformly black in adults with a coppery-green sheen; the breed is relatively quiet and cold-hardy.
Detailed Origin
Origin: United States, Cayuga County, New York, developed in the mid-19th century through selective breeding of dark-plumaged stock to achieve a uniform, fully black bird with a glossy finish. The Cayuga quickly gained recognition as a dual-purpose breed for meat and eggs, and spread across North America and into Europe. The breed's distinctive black plumage and iridescent sheen are the results of generations of selection on pigmentation and feather structure.
Detailed Description
Size and proportions: Drake 4.5–5.5 kg; hen 3.6–4.5 kg. Plumage: adult males are solid black with a glossy finish; females similarly black but slightly duller. Head and beak: dark slate beak; eyes dark brown. Legs and feet: dark gray. Behavior: calm, hardy, well-suited to cold climates and outdoor life; good for beginners; moderate flight. Reproduction and productivity: eggs are white; average egg weight about 62–68 g; fertility and hatchability are good in well-managed flocks. Diet: omnivorous; recommended diet includes layer pellets with access to greens and clean water. Management: provide dry housing and wind shelter.