Cayuga

Cayuga

Description

The Cayuga, sometimes called the emerald duck, is a sturdy domestic breed derived from the mallard. Drakes weigh around 3.5 kg and ducks about 3 kg. The whole body is covered in black plumage with a striking metallic-green (beetle-green) sheen that gives the breed its name, while the bill and legs are dark. Older females often turn increasingly white, developing patches of white feathers with age.

Habitat

As a domestic breed it is kept worldwide on farms, in gardens and in zoo parks. It thrives near water and needs a pond or basin where it can dabble, splash and preen its feathers.

Diet

Omnivorous. It grazes on grass and aquatic plants, gathers seeds and grain, and readily hunts insects, slugs, snails and worms, making it a useful controller of garden pests.

Reproduction

A hen lays roughly 100–150 eggs a year; the first eggs of the season are dark grey to almost black and gradually lighten as laying continues. She incubates them for about 28 days and is usually an attentive mother.

Lifespan

Typically 8–12 years.

Did you know?

The breed is named after Lake Cayuga in New York State and is one of the few duck breeds developed in the United States. It is notably cold-hardy and calm in temperament.