Daphne

Date of Rescue:  July 16, 2023
Date of Birth:  July 9, 2020
Gender:  Female
Species:  Cayuga Duck
Diet:  Omnivore 
Lifespan:  8-12 years
Annual Cost of Care:  $360

About Me

I was bought by a family as a pet for their teen daughter from a local store.  I lived with them for three years and had my daughter on year two.  As our teen was ready to go off to college it was decided to rehome my daughter and I. I am a very pretty girl with a sweet disposition.  I like people and enjoy being held.  I like our new home at SSR. We have joined the Pekin flock and hang with them all day. Donna and I have a little rivalry going on because she loves Donald and he follows me around and she gets jealous. The truth is I am not interested in Donald at all but you know male ducks - they don’t always think with their brains.   

Cayuga Duck Facts

Cayuga ducks are a distinctive breed known for their striking, iridescent black feathers, which may appear green or purple under certain lighting conditions. Originating from the Lake Cayuga area in New York, they are one of the few duck breeds native to the United States. Adult Cayuga drakes typically weigh around 7-8 pounds, while females are slightly lighter at about 6 pounds. Their feathers often become speckled with white as they age, adding to their unique appearance. , Cayuga ducks are renowned for their calm and docile nature.  
Cayuga ducks are prolific layers, known for producing initially blackish-colored eggs that gradually lighten to gray and then nearly white as the laying season progresses, averaging 100 to 150 eggs per year. They have an omnivorous diet, thriving on a combination of waterfowl feed, vegetables, insects, and small fish, and can help control garden pests such as slugs and snails.
Although not currently endangered, Cayuga ducks are classified under the "watch" category by the Livestock Conservancy, indicating that their population numbers are lower than ideal and could benefit from focused conservation efforts. 
Cayuga ducks, like many domesticated duck breeds, have limited flying ability due to purposeful breeding that has prioritized traits such as size, temperament, and egg production over flight. This characteristic makes them “sitting ducks”, vulnerable to predators because they cannot easily escape danger by flying away.

How You Can Help

Wish List

Can you please help with our care and click on our wish list to buy specific items that we need?  Your purchases are tax deductible and very much appreciated. 

Sponso​r Me

The best way to help a sanctuary resident is to be a sponsor. Donations are tax deductible and will be used for our most pressing and critical needs. 

Animal Friend
$10 monthly or one time gift of $100  Digital adoption certificate  

Animal Supporter
$25 monthly or one time gift of $250 Digital adoption certificate
Sponsor listing in our school yearbook   

Animal Guardian
$50 monthly or one time gift of $500 Digital adoption certificate
Sponsor listing in our school yearbook
Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus 

Animal Hero
$100 monthly or one time gift $1,200
Digital adoption certificate
Sponsor listing in our school yearbook
Brick wall plaque at our main
School Campus
Annual invitation for you and a guest to visit the Sanctuary.

Animal Ambassador
$250 monthly or one time gift $3,000 Digital adoption certificate
Sponsor listing in our school yearbook
Brick wall plaque at our main School Campus
Annual invitation for you and a guest to a private afternoon at the Sanctuary, includes lunch and sponsor t-shirt.