When it comes to duck eggs, there are a variety of colors that the shells can come in. While white is the most common, some breeds lay eggs with shells that are green, blue, or even brown. If you’ve come across brown duck eggs and are wondering which breed lays them, read on!
Overview of Duck Egg Colors
Most duck breeds lay eggs with white or cream-colored shells. This includes popular domestic ducks like the Pekin, Cayuga, and Welsh Harlequin. However, some breeds are known for producing eggs with more unique shell colors.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the duck egg shell colors you may encounter:
- White – Most common. Laid by breeds like Pekin, Runner, Campbell, Buff Orpington, Ancona.
- Cream – Slightly off-white or light tan. Laid by breeds like Silver Appleyard.
- Green – Dark olive green to almost blue-green. Laid by breeds like Khaki Campbell, Welsh Harlequin.
- Blue – Light to powder blue. Laid by breeds like Magpie, Crested, Swedish.
- Brown – Light to dark brown. Laid by breeds like Cayuga, Golden Cascade.
The specific pigments deposited on the shell as the egg develops determine the final color. While white is dominant in most breeds, some breeds have been selectively bred to produce the more pigmented egg shades.
Breeds That Lay Brown Eggs
There are two main duck breeds responsible for brown egg production:
1. Cayuga
The Cayuga is an all-black American duck breed known for laying very dark brown eggs. Their egg color is often described as chocolate brown or mahogany.
- Originated in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
- Medium-sized ducks weighing 6-8 pounds.
- Prolific egg layers producing 150-200 brown eggs per year.
- Eggs are large-sized.
- Ducklings hatch with black and yellow down.
2. Golden Cascade
Golden Cascades are a cross between a Cayuga drake and a Welsh Harlequin duck. This gives their eggs a distinct reddish-brown color.
- Developed at Brightsong Farm in Oregon.
- Medium-sized ducks weighing 5-7 pounds.
- Very good egg production at up to 280 light brown eggs per year.
- Eggs are medium to large in size.
- Ducklings hatch with a mix of black, brown, and yellow down.
Comparison of Cayuga and Golden Cascade Eggs
While both breeds lay shades of brown, Cayuga and Golden Cascade eggs can be differentiated by their distinct hues.
| Breed | Egg Color |
|---|---|
| Cayuga | Very dark brown to blackish-brown |
| Golden Cascade | Lighter brown with a reddish hue |
Cayuga eggs are usually a very deep, dark chocolate brown that appears almost blackish at times. Golden Cascade eggs have a distinctly lighter brown base color with warm reddish-brown tones.
Why Cayuga and Golden Cascades Lay Brown Eggs
The genetics behind brown duck egg coloration aren’t fully understood but have to do with breeding for certain pigments.
All eggs start with white shells. As the egg moves through the oviduct, pigments are deposited onto the developing shell.
The main pigments that influence shell color are:
- Protoporphyrin – Responsible for brown eggs
- Biliverdin – Causes blue/green eggs
- Oocyanin – Produces blue eggs
Breeds like Cayuga and Golden Cascade have been selectively bred over time to express higher levels of protoporphyrin, allowing them to lay brown-shelled eggs.
Cayuga Egg Color Genetics
In Cayugas, the chocolate brown egg color is linked to their general genotype:
- Homozygous black phenotype
- Recessive extension gene
- Absence of dominant white feathering genes
By breeding ducks expressing this genotype, the brown shell color was able to be perpetuated while also selecting for the desired black plumage.
Golden Cascade Egg Color Genetics
Golden Cascades were created by crossing solid black Cayuga drakes with the green/blue-egg laying Welsh Harlequins. This seemed to produce a hybrid expressing higher protoporphyrin levels and brown egg color while also incorporating Harlequin feather patterns.
The exact genetic mechanisms behind the reddish brown egg shade are not fully documented but clearly linked to this specialized crossbreeding.
Do Cayuga or Golden Cascade Egg Yolks Differ?
While Cayuga and Golden Cascade eggs may differ in shell color, the internal yolk and white are the same as other breeds:
- Yolk color – Vibrant dark orange.
- Yolk texture – Thick and creamy.
- White color – Clear not cloudy.
- Nutrition – High in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
The shell color has no effect on the interior quality or taste – just the appearance!
Taste and Uses for Brown Duck Eggs
When it comes to taste and culinary uses, brown duck eggs are identical to white duck eggs. The rich, dense yolk provides amazing flavor.
Their extra large size makes them perfect for:
- Poaching
- Frying
- Boiling
- Baking
The beautiful brown shell also makes them highly attractive for decorative purposes like:
- Dying Easter eggs
- Eggshell mosaics
- Wreaths and other crafts
Benefits of Raising Ducks for Brown Eggs
Here are some of the top benefits of keeping a small home flock of Cayugas or Golden Cascades:
- Unique egg color – Eye-catching dark brown shells.
- Excellent layers – Cayugas can lay up to 200 eggs per year.
- Cold hardy – Withstand cold climates well.
- Good foragers – Excellent at finding natural food sources.
- Calm temperament – Cayugas are especially docile and easy to handle.
- Low noise – Minimal noisy quacking compared to other ducks.
Both breeds make interesting and productive additions to a backyard or small farm flock. Their dark brown eggs provide a beautiful alternative to standard white duck eggs.
Challenges of Raising Ducks
While rewarding, raising ducks does come with some challenges to be aware of:
- Housing needs – Require pond access or splash troughs to immerse their heads.
- Messy waterers – Ducks love to splash and soil their water source.
- Limited cold hardiness – Need winter protection in colder climates.
- Predator protection – Vulnerable to predators so secure housing is a must.
Proper planning for housing, watering, temperature control, and predator protection is needed to raise ducks successfully.
Finding Cayuga and Golden Cascade Breeders
When sourcing ducks for brown egg production, look for established Cayuga or Golden Cascade breeders. Here are some tips:
- Contact local farms or feed stores about breeder availability.
- Check county extension offices or state agricultural departments for breeder listings.
- Search online ads or post wanted ads in rural publications.
- Attend poultry swaps to directly connect with breeders.
- Join duck enthusiast groups and ask for breeder referrals.
Be sure to visit any prospective breeder’s farm to evaluate their stock’s health, housing conditions, and temperament before purchasing.
Hatching Brown Egg Ducklings
Another option for obtaining ducklings is hatching fertilized brown duck eggs. Here’s an overview of the process:
Equipment Needed
- Incubator – Maintains optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
- Eggs Turner – Automatically rotates eggs for even hatching.
- Candler – Checks for embryo development.
- Brooder – Keeps hatchlings warm and safe post-hatch.
Incubation Timeline
- Days 1-24 – Incubation period. Eggs must be turned at least 3 times daily.
- Day 25 – Stop turning eggs and increase humidity.
- Days 26-30 – Monitor pipping and absorb yolks.
- Days 31-35 – Assist any ducklings having hatching difficulties.
Following proper procedures carefully is crucial for hatching success. Be prepared for potential challenges like infertility or embryonic death.
Looking for Brown Duck Eggs?
Don’t have the space to raise ducks yourself? Look for small farms in your area selling brown duck eggs.
Pasture-raised golden cascade and cayuga eggs are available seasonally at many local farmers markets, farm stands, and specialty grocers.
You may pay slightly more than white duck eggs, but the unique color and flavor make them worth it!
Some high-end restaurants and bakeries also use brown duck eggs to make recipes extra rich and beautiful.
Conclusion
When it comes to brown duck eggs, the Cayuga and Golden Cascade are the two breeds primarily responsible. Cayugas lay very dark chocolate brown eggs while Golden Cascades produce lighter reddish-brown eggs.
These breeds have genetics promoting higher protoporphyrin pigment levels in their shells. But the interior quality and flavor remains identical to standard white duck eggs.
Raising a small flock of Cayugas or Golden Cascades can give you a steady supply of eye-catching brown eggs. Just be prepared for the special housing and care considerations for ducks.
Alternatively, look for farmers selling these unique brown duck eggs. Either way, brown duck eggs make a beautiful and delicious addition to any kitchen.
