Description
Cayuga Duck
Breed History and Origin
The Cayuga duck is a well-known American breed developed near Cayuga Lake in New York State. It was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1874 and has long been valued for its combination of egg production, meat use, and exhibition quality. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its Cayuga duck bloodline since 1977, maintaining the characteristics that make this breed popular among poultry keepers.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Cayuga ducks are most recognized for their deep black plumage with an iridescent beetle-green sheen when viewed in the right light. As they age, Cayugas—especially hens—may gradually develop white feathering, which is a natural and expected trait of the breed. Mature hens typically weigh around 7 pounds, while drakes average about 8 pounds. Their striking appearance makes them one of the most popular ducks for exhibition.
Egg Production and Performance
Cayuga ducks lay large to extra large eggs, producing approximately 130–180 eggs per year. Early in the laying season, eggs may appear dark or nearly black due to a heavy outer bloom, but this fades over time, resulting in lighter or white eggs later in the season. The shell itself is not truly black—the color comes from a surface coating.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed is known for its docile, calm temperament, making it a great choice for backyard flocks and farm environments. Cayugas are active foragers and are especially effective at controlling pests such as snails, slugs, and insects. They are poor flyers and typically remain close to home. Fertility percentages generally range between 60–75%, with a recommended mating ratio of seven females to one male. Gender accuracy is approximately 90%.
Meat Production and Use
Cayuga ducks can be used for meat production, though they are more commonly kept for egg laying and exhibition. Their medium weight class provides a balanced option for small-scale production.
Housing and Management
Like other ducks, Cayugas do not require roosts and remain at ground level (floor). They benefit from access to water and open space to support natural foraging behavior.
Shipping and Availability
Cackle Hatchery® offers seasonal duck shipping and also provides fall availability options.
View Fall availability here:
Cayuga Duck https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/cayuga-duck/
Due to shipping regulations, we cannot ship ducks to Hawaii.
Duck Care Resources
How Many Eggs Does a Duck Lay? https://www.cacklehatchery.com/how-many-eggs-does-a-duck-lay/
12 Benefits of Keeping Ducks https://www.cacklehatchery.com/12-benefits-of-keeping-ducks/
Heritage Breed Spotlight: Cayuga Duck https://www.cacklehatchery.com/heritage-breed-spotlight-cayuga-duck/
Ducks for Eggs: How to Keep Your Ducks Laying Well https://www.cacklehatchery.com/ducks-for-eggs-how-to-keep-your-ducks-laying-well/
Keeping Ducks Together with Chickens https://www.cacklehatchery.com/keeping-ducks-together-with-chickens/
Cayuga Duck FAQs
Do Cayuga ducks lay black eggs? Early in the season, eggs may appear dark due to a coating, but they lighten over time.
How many eggs do Cayuga ducks lay? They typically produce 130–180 eggs per year.
Are Cayuga ducks good for backyard flocks? Yes. They are calm, hardy, and excellent foragers.
Do Cayuga ducks fly? No. They are poor flyers and usually stay close to home.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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slowandold5 –
I ordered 7 females. Picked up at the hatchery and I have to say they are a few weeks old and thriving. Beautiful healthy happy little quackers. I look forward to ordering more.
drune_21 –
Ordered six females and received seven healthy babies in early April. These ducks are stunning, beautiful jet black feathers with green, purple and blue tones. They have wonderful personalities. It’s mid August and they already started laying eggs! I am getting jet black eggs to a very light gray and sometimes olive green. Very impressed and happy with these girls and with Cackle.
Robert C –
Ducklings all arrived in healthy condition
Its ben 4 months, all 6 ducks are alot bigger in excellent health enjoying bugs, greens and scratch feed!
Mindy –
In Love!
I received my 3 duckling yesterday in the mail. They are all happy and healthy. No complaints. Beautiful birds.
Erinn Whalen –
Amazing
We took a day trip and went to the store itself. I phone ordered 6 Easter Eggers and was going to get a duck. I allowed my 6 year old to pick the breed with very little education on duck breeds. We brought our ladies home, got them settled in they’re broader and just like that they all started drinking and eating and even started following us to the edge if the kiddie pool as we left the garage. I walked back out later to check on them and then ran right to the edge just talking away. I’m so thrilled with my purchase and will probably be ordering a another duck friend for little lady!!! Great service, great experience I only wish they weren’t 4 hours away. Totally worth the drive though!
Silver (verified owner) –
2 years later
I ordered 4 unsexed chicks 2 years ago and I am satisfied with them to this day. They are GREAT layers and wonderful pets, they eat from my hand sometimes.
Mara M –
Thanks
We ordered one Cayuga female and 2 Ancona females. They came in one day and were very healthy and gorgeous! Our Cayuga began laying about 2 months ago but our Ancona ducks have yet to lay. Regardless I am so thrilled with how beautiful and healthy they are.
Duck life –
Awesome!
My Cayuga ducklings arrive happy & healthy. They are a great addition to the farm. Very friendly, sweet disposition. Thank you Cackle Hatchery!
BeckerPeckers –
So much fun
Ordered 6 straight run cayugas, some marans and some rainbow layers. Got a bonus duckling, a bonus maran, and 2 bonus rainbows. Everyone was happy to see the water and feed after their 2 day travel. The ducklings are just this side of deadly on the adorable scale, and getting along well with the chicks.
Could not be a happier repeat customer, and will certainly be back.
Jessica –
Lovely!!!
Never ordered ducks online before so I got 9 of these babies in February, they’re wonderfull! Not as bossy and overbearing on other birds like Pekin can be and they are reasonable size and learn things fast! Mine are now almost completely feathered out and are gorgeous, we unfortunately lost 3 to a dog attack in our driveway at 4 weeks but the remaining 6 are a single drake to 5 girls. Great ratio even from ‘st run ducklings’.
Can’t wait for eggs! I’ll definitely order ducklings from Cackle again 😀
Silver –
Nice ducks!
I bought these last minute because I just wanted to raise some ducks. About 6-7 months later and they are nice and friendly! I should be expecting eggs any day now, and can’t wait to taste my first duck egg!