Ducks are actually quite intelligent. Ducks, like chickens, are social creatures and need the society of a flock. Ducks tend to form tighter bonds with one another than chickens do. There are some raisers though that keeps Cayuga ducks for ornamental purposes. Home Duck Breed Guide Cayuga Duck. The Cayuga duck is used for meat and egg production and does well at poultry shows. Review full breed profile of this duck breed below. Incubation period for the Cayuga duck’s eggs is 28 days. A cat will lie in your lap (or on your head), and a dog will curl up beside you and help protect your home. The name comes from where it was once very popular, Cayuga Lake, New York State. Best Duck Breeds for Eggs. As babies, they are black with an occasional trace of yellow on breasts, with dark feet and bills. These charming ducks come from America – they originate from the gorgeous region known as the Finger Lakes which is near to New York, and get their name from one of the lakes. If you're ready to take on this responsibility, then the following article will give you tips on how to care for pet ducks. When mature they are known for their known brilliant "beetle" green plumage. It's thought the first time Cayuga Ducks appeared in the UK was in 1871, when a gentleman called J.K. Fowler imported some birds from the US. The Cayuga name is taken from Cayuga Lake, so called after a local Native American tribe in New York State where the breed was popularized. They are broody and lay dark gray to bluish-green eggs. Cayuga Duck. A pet duck doesn’t seem nearly as cuddly as some of the more traditional pets out there. The Black Cayuga is a domestic duck raised in many home flocks for egg & meat production as well as pets. What exactly does a pet duck do? In general ducks get along with one another and with other birds. 2 Comments. They have a long history of living with people and can make excellent pets. Noted feature is the iridescent beetle green color coming from the black feathers in the correct light. The Charming Cayuga Duck. Most domestic ducks originally descend from wild mallards (Anas p. platyrhynchos). First, consider what you want your duck's main purpose to be. The Cayuga is almost unmistakable, with its solid black bills and feet, and solid black feathers that are a beautiful luminescent green in bright light. Keeping a duck as a pet is no easy task and knowing what you're getting yourself into is what matters. The name of this breed, Cayuga, is derived from Cayuga Lake, one of the Finger Lakes in New York. The drakes are often mute, but the ducks are quite vocal. All ducks will provide you with some eggs, but many breeds lay predominantly in the spring and summer, leaving you eggless for months at a time (due to their thick shells and membranes, duck eggs store in the ‘fridge for many months though, so you may be able to stockpile eggs for eggless periods if you have room). The average lifespan of the Cayuga duck which is kept as pets is 8 to 12 years. Cayuga Ducks are mainly raised for exhibition and are dual-purpose. The friendly nature of Cayuga ducks, combined with their beauty, are the primary reasons why some folks choose to keep them simply as farm pets to adorn a pond. A Cayuga duck’s favorite foraging finds include slugs, mosquitoes, snails, and tadpoles. Ducks as Pets. These ducks are quiet and can withstand cold temperatures well. For eggs and companions. Admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. One thing to note, you should not just have one duck. The ducks are broody and often sit on and hatch their eggs. 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