Cayuga Duck
Anas platyrhynchos cayuga

Description:  The Cayuga is a medium-sized breed of domestic duck.  Its feathers are black with a green sheen.  White spots may appear on the feathers of older ducks.  Cayuga Ducks’ bills are black in color.

Size:  Adult Cayuga Ducks usually weigh between 7 and 8 pounds.

Individual animal information:  The Cayuga Ducks at Cosley Zoo were obtained from a duck breeder.

Adaptations: 

• One reason ducks are able to stay afloat in the water is because of air sacs in their bodies that increase their buoyancy. 
• Ducks’ feathers trap air in between them, which is another adaptation that helps them to float.  Their feathers are also covered with a waterproof substance that keeps the ducks warm and dry. 
• Ducks’ webbed feet allow them to maneuver easily in the water. 
• Many ducks are excellent fliers due to their streamlined bodies, powerful wings, and hollow bones that weigh much less than the solid bones of mammals.  Although Cayuga Ducks are poor fliers due to their large, heavy bodies, they do have the strong wings and hollow bones that are common to other types of ducks.
• Ducks do not have teeth, but they do have bumpy edges on their bills that help them to filter food out of the water.  Food is then swallowed and ground up in the gizzard, a part of the stomach that contains small rocks for breaking down food. 

Diet:  The ducks at Cosley Zoo are fed commercially prepared duck food pellets.

Reproduction:  Cayuga Duck eggs incubate for 28 days before hatching.

Shelter and space needs:  Domestic ducks require shelter from the wind and rain, access to food and water, and fencing to keep them contained.  Cayuga Ducks require only a low fence due to their limited flight ability.  The ducks at Cosley Zoo are kept on a pond surrounded by trees and shrubs that serve as shelter. 

Life expectancy:  Domestic ducks kept as pets live an average of 8-12 years.

Relationship with man:  Cayugas are considered to be very hardy ducks.  They are raised for eggs and meat.

Fun Facts

• Cayuga Ducks lay eggs with black shells.
• The Cayuga Duck was introduced to the United States near Lake Cayuga in New York.
• The water in the Cosley Zoo duck pond often looks green, but that’s not because it’s dirty!  The green dye that we put in there helps to block sunlight, which keeps algae from taking over the pond.
• A group of ducks is called a brace.