- Cayuga Duck
A Cayuga Duck is a breed of
domesticated duck used for egg and meat production as well as an ornamental bird. The Cayuga name is taken fromCayuga Lake , one of the lakes in theFinger Lakes chain, inNew York State where the breed was popularized. The traditional story for the development of this breed is that a miller inDutchess County captured two wild black ducks and usedpinioning to keep them at his pond. The offspring of this pair was prized for flavorful meat and breeding efficiency. [cite web
url = http://www.albc-usa.org/waterfowl/cayuga_duck.htm
title = American Livestock Breeds Conservancy: Cayuga Duck
date = 2006-06-04
accessdate = 2006-07-18 ]The Cayuga breed is in the
Medium class and has been a recognized breed of the American Poultry Association since 1874. the standard weight for adult males is 8 pounds and females 7 pounds. The Cayuga are characterized by a black bill and blackplumage which is an iridescent beetle green in the correct light. In breeding an emphasis is put on correct coloration, carriage and a large breast. The Cayuga duck has dark brown eyes, black shanks and toes, except in old drakes where some orange shading may appear. Ducklings have black plumage. For exhibition presence of white color in the outer plumage is a disqualification.it is also well protected by many as a great yard pet as they tend to stay close to home.For those who wish to keep ducks, but live close to others that would make keeping the
Pekin breed impractical because of the loud quack, The Cayuga duck may be an alternative as its quack is not as loud or frequent as the Pekin. The temperament of the Cayuga is docile.Adult Cayuga Ducks enjoy eating snails, slugs, and most other insects.
The Cayuga duck will more often sit on and hatch her eggs than other domestic breeds of duck. Incubation for the eggs is 28 days. When using an incubator the temperature should be 99.5 °F at 86% humidity for days 1-25, and 98.5 °F at 94% humidity for days 26-28.
This breed of duck is listed as threatened by the
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy . [cite web
title = American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Watchlist
url = http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/wtchlist.html#ducks
accessdate = 2008-03-25 ]References
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