Meet the Enchanting Cayuga Duckling 🖤🦆 
 
With feathers like shimmering ink and a waddle that melts hearts, Cayuga ducklings are the goth-glam sweethearts of the duck world! As babies, they're fuzzy black puffballs with big personalities—and as they grow, they become iridescent beauties that glimmer green and purple in the sunlight like living gemstones.
 
📚 A Little Bit of History & Mystery:

The Cayuga duck has deep American roots. Named after Cayuga Lake in New York, this breed dates back to the 1800s and may have originated from wild black ducks native to the region. Once a favorite for meat and eggs on small farms, they’re now prized for their beauty, calm temperament, and backyard charm.
 
🥚 Egg-laying Wonders:

Cayuga ducks lay about 100–150 eggs per year, starting out with nearly black shells early in the season! As the months go on, the eggs gradually lighten to shades of gray, blue, and pale green. It’s like a natural ombré egg collection—gorgeous and unique.
 
📏 Size & Looks:

As ducklings, they’re fluffy black cuties with a soft quack and a constant need to explore. As adults, they grow to be medium-weight ducks—females around 6–7 lbs and males up to 8 lbs. Their feathers are deep black with iridescent green and purple hues, especially when the sun hits them just right. Even their bills and legs are dark!
 
🌦️ Weather Temperament:

Cayugas are hardy in cold and wet climates, making them ideal for temperate or northern areas. They can handle snow and chilly temps like champs, especially if they have a dry, draft-free place to sleep. They're also happy in warmer climates with shade and plenty of water to splash in.
 
💚 Personality & Behavior:

Cayuga ducklings are typically calm, friendly, and a little shy at first, but they quickly warm up to gentle handling and familiar faces. As adults, they’re quiet, affectionate, and excellent foragers. They’ll happily waddle after you in a line, hunt bugs in the garden, or float lazily on a kiddie pool like royalty.
 
So if you're looking for a duck that’s equal parts mystical, manageable, and absolutely mesmerizing, the Cayuga duckling is a perfect pick. From their sparkly feathers to their dark eggs, they bring a little bit of magic and a whole lot of love to every backyard flock. ✨🦆🖤