At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 3.0-3.6 kg drakes and 2.7-3.1 kg ducks; Oklahoma State University gives standard weights of 8 lb (3.6 kg) and 7 lb (3.2 kg). Metzer Farms lists 4.75-6 lb (about 2.2-2.7 kg).
Looks how to spot one
Glossy, waterproof feathers
A medium-heavy duck with a fairly upright carriage and a long neck. The black plumage shines with a beetle-green gloss in the light, and the bill and legs are dark. Older birds often gain some white feathers as they age.12
Personality what they are like
A hardy, easy-to-handle duck that does well free-ranging. It is mostly kept today for its looks and for showing, and settles well into backyard flocks.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Cayugas do not fly and are good foragers that enjoy free-ranging on grass with regular access to bathing water.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Ducks keep their feathers in order themselves by preening and bathing, so the main job is supplying clean water: drinkers deep enough for a duck to dip its whole head, and a pool or tub for bathing. Keep bedding dry and change it often, and stop runs from turning into deep mud.5
Home where they are happiest
A dry, well-ventilated and predator-proof house with roughly 0.4-0.55 m2 (4-6 sq ft) of floor per duck, plus a secure outdoor run with grass if possible. Sturdy fencing, fine hardware mesh, fencing sunk a little into the ground and overhead netting all help keep the flock safe. The breed copes well with cold winters.52
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete commercial waterfowl feed as the base, with leafy greens, other vegetables and the odd protein treat such as mealworms. Keep avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, nightshade plants and mouldy food away from them, and always offer fresh water alongside food.5
Company who they like around
A flock bird that should live with at least two or three other ducks. If drakes are kept, about one drake to four or more ducks keeps the group settled.5
The story where it all began
Around 1840 John S. Clark took black ducks from Orange County to Cayuga County, New York, and the breed developed there in the mid-1800s. It was America's main meat duck for several decades until the white Pekin replaced it around 1890, and it joined the first American standard in 1874.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Early in the laying season Cayuga eggs can be almost black, fading to pale greenish-blue or nearly white as the season goes on.1
- 2
In sunlight the black feathers flash an iridescent beetle-green.1
- 3
The breed is named after the Cayuga people of the Finger Lakes region.1
- 4
Cayugas reached Britain as early as 1851.1
Recognised by the official bits
- American Poultry Association (APA)
- In the first Standard of Perfection, 1874.1
- British poultry standards
- British standard dated to 1901 by Wikipedia and to 1907 by Oklahoma State University.1
- The Livestock Conservancy
- 'Watch' status (2025); FAO (2007) listed it as not at risk.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cayuga Duck. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh food and waterWater deep enough to dip the whole headevery day
- Egg collectevery day
- House spot cleanevery day
- Pool refreshA paddling pool or pond to splash inevery 2 days
- House full cleanevery 2 weeks
- Free rangeDaily time outside in a safe runevery day
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees poultry and waterfowlevery year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Cayuga duck - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weights, plumage, eggs, conservation, uses
- Cayuga Ducks - Oklahoma State University Breeds of Livestock breeds.okstate.eduused for origin, recognition years, weights, colours, temperament, eggs
- Compare Duck Breeds - Metzer Farms metzerfarms.comused for weights, eggs, flying, foraging, broodiness, conservation rank
- Domestic duck - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, mallard ancestry, domestic behaviour
- Duck Care Guide - Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic birdexoticsvet.comused for housing, water, diet, social needs, predator protection
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.