Cayuga duck farming is less popular as compared to many other domestic duck breeds. Because the Cayuga duck is a pretty new breed of domestic duck developed in the mid nineteenth Century. And it was a popular breed when it was first developed.
The Cayuga duck is a medium sized breed and it was named after the Lake Cayuga (which is located in the western part of New York). There is a long history about the creation of this breed, but it is believed that ‘the Cayuga duck was developed from a cross between Black East Indies duck and the Rouen duck‘.
Currently, the Cayuga ducks are a very popular duck breed in the United States and they are mainly used for meat and eggs production. And also used as an ornamental bird.
The Cayuga ducks are medium sized birds and they are suitable for both meat and eggs production purpose. So, commercial Cayuga duck farming can be a very good business idea for the purpose of making some extra income.
How to Start Cayuga Duck Farming
Like most other domestic duck breeds, the Cayuga ducks are also very strong and hardy animals. And they generally require less care and other management.
Here we are trying to describe more information about starting and operating a successful Cayuga duck farming business from purchasing birds to caring and marketing.
Purchase Birds
First of all, try to purchase very good quality, disease free and healthy ducks from any of your nearest poultry market or existing farms. You can also search your local online classified websites for sourcing Cayuga ducks.
Housing
Good housing system not only keeps the ducks healthy but also helps them to stay safe from predators and adverse weather. So, making a good house (which is comfortable and safe for the ducks) is very important for Cayuga duck farming business.
While making the house, install good ventilation system and ensure flow of sufficient clean and fresh air and light. Make the house in such a way so that you can easily clean the house. As a medium sized breed, a Cayuga duck will require around 4 square feet housing space.
Feeding
Feeding the birds with good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of Cayuga duck farming business. So always try to feed your ducks with enough and nutritious food.
The Cayuga ducks are excellent foragers. And if you raise them in free range system, then they will obtain much of their diet from foraging. They generally enjoy eating snails, slugs and many other insects. Although in commercial Cayuga duck farming business, you can feed your ducks with ready-made commercial feeds or poultry feeds.
Breeding
For successful natural breeding, keep one male duck with 8-10 female ducks. Keeping such ratio will ensure good breeding results.
Caring
The Cayuga ducks are very strong and hardy birds. They are very cold hardy and can tolerate the harsh winters of the Northeast. They are docile in temperament and have very good personality.
And they are one of the hardiest of all the domestic ducks. So they generally require less care and other management. Although taking additional care will ensure good growth and good health of the birds. Vaccinate your ducks timely and keep good contact with a vet.
Marketing
Marketing Cayuga duck’s products is not a problem. Because duck’s meat and eggs both have very good demand and value in the market. So you will probably be able to sell the products very easily in the market. Although you should set your marketing strategies before starting this business.
These are the common ways and steps for starting and operating a successful Cayuga duck farming business. Hope this guide has helped you a lot! Good luck and may God bless you!
