Cayuga duck

Poultry · Duck · 1 live listings

Cayugas were developed in New York in the 1800s and have beetle-green black feathers. Their early-season eggs are often dark grey or black and lighten over the season, and they are calm, hardy and fairly quiet.

At a glance

Purpose

Meat and eggs

Origin

New York, US

Adult weight

Drakes 8 lb, ducks 7 lb

Lifespan

8–12 years

Eggs

About 100–150 grey to white eggs a year

Best fit

Backyard flocks, heritage

Species

Poultry

The tradeoffs, honestly

Cayugas lay fewer eggs than laying breeds. Dark pinfeathers make carcasses harder to clean.

Common questions

Why are Cayuga eggs dark?

A coating on early-season eggs makes them grey or black. Color lightens over the season.

What health checks should ducklings or adults have?

Ask whether the flock is NPIP-certified for pullorum-typhoid and avian influenza, which many states require for sales and shows. Look for clear eyes and nostrils, a clean vent and a steady walk, and quarantine new birds for 30 days before they meet your flock.

Are Cayugas quiet?

Fairly. They are quieter than many breeds.

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Health tests to ask for

NPIP flock certificationMarek's vaccinationHatch record on fileAvian influenza surveillance resultVeterinary exam on file

Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.