How to sex Cayuga ducklings? As baby ducks, you cannot visually distinguish drakes from hens, as they will both have downy black feathers. As they grow adult feathers, hens may develop white flecks, and males will have a more distinct green sheen than females. You can start to tell the difference between males and females by listening to the sound of their quack (males have a raspier quack than females).
Is this breed listed in the Standard of Perfection? Yes, they were recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874. They are in the medium weight class.
What is the proper conformation of this bird? They have broad, plump breasts that sit high on their chest and extend outward. They have an elegantly curved neck with an oval head and flattened bills. This is a popular bird to show at poultry exhibitions.
What is the origin of this breed? While their exact lineage is unknown and much debated, they are thought to have originated in the Finger Lakes region of New York in the mid 1800s. They are named after a Native American tribe with ties to the area.
What is the Cayuga duck egg color? This breed has highly unique eggs, which can be dark charcoal in color, fading into a paler color as the laying season progresses. This is because the natural pigment they deposit onto the egg will fade over the lifetime of the duck. Color may range from black, greenish black, dark gray, blue, or light green.
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