Do cayuga ducklings ever have markings?

[Spacee]

So, during a visit to the feed store a couple weeks ago, my partner decided we would would be taking home a couple of ducklings (a magpie and a black sweedish, I think) that they had. How can I say no, we already have chickens Since there were only two, and I've wanted cayugas for awhile now anyway, I found someone local who sold me 5 little black ducklings the next day. They're almost two weeks old now and I've noticed one of them appears to have "eyebrows". Now I'm wondering if they might be something else or a mix, or perhaps cayugas do show slight markings every now and again as ducklings? 3 out of the 5 are still solid black. The last two are almost solid black besides the "eyebrows" and the other one has just a hint of white/yellow under its chin. I've attached a couple pics of the two in question, y'all tell me what you think

 

[ChikaInu]

So, during a visit to the feed store a couple weeks ago, my partner decided we would would be taking home a couple of ducklings (a magpie and a black sweedish, I think) that they had. How can I say no, we already have chickens Since there were only two, and I've wanted cayugas for awhile now anyway, I found someone local who sold me 5 little black ducklings the next day. They're almost two weeks old now and I've noticed one of them appears to have "eyebrows". Now I'm wondering if they might be something else or a mix, or perhaps cayugas do show slight markings every now and again as ducklings? 3 out of the 5 are still solid black. The last two are almost solid black besides the "eyebrows" and the other one has just a hint of white/yellow under its chin. I've attached a couple pics of the two in question, y'all tell me what you think

Nothing to contribute I'm afraid. Just popped in for the cuteness!

 

[KathiQuacks]

How interesting. I’ve seen Cayugas with lighter markings, but not the “eyebrows” until now. I found this article containing photos of an older Cayuga with the same markings.

 

[Spacee]

Thank you for sharing this link, I couldn't find any pictures of Cayugas with markings, other than the white feathers they get as they age. I'm curious to see if my duckling will keep the eyebrows into adulthood. It's kinda cute, haha

How interesting. I’ve seen Cayugas with lighter markings, but not the “eyebrows” until now. I found this article containing photos of an older Cayuga with the same markings.

 

[peasandducks]

Following along, starting with Cayugas next week!

 

[peasandducks]

One of ours has a lighter chest at the moment and lighter marks where her bill meets her face. Interested to see how yours grow!

 

[Sic]

None of my pure bred, but all of my mix do have eye markings and lighter bib color

 

[Ufopilot]

So, during a visit to the feed store a couple weeks ago, my partner decided we would would be taking home a couple of ducklings (a magpie and a black sweedish, I think) that they had. How can I say no, we already have chickens Since there were only two, and I've wanted cayugas for awhile now anyway, I found someone local who sold me 5 little black ducklings the next day. They're almost two weeks old now and I've noticed one of them appears to have "eyebrows". Now I'm wondering if they might be something else or a mix, or perhaps cayugas do show slight markings every now and again as ducklings? 3 out of the 5 are still solid black. The last two are almost solid black besides the "eyebrows" and the other one has just a hint of white/yellow under its chin. I've attached a couple pics of the two in question, y'all tell me what you think

I have heard that their bills can change color from one day to the next - and back to black again. I theory is that perhaps preening rubs off the black colored oil that can stain the beak and feathers. I have cayugas - a mating pair that have produced some more colorful offspring - some have lighter flecks on their bib areas, some have lighter feet and bills too - perhaps there is something in one of the parents lineage that could contribute to that. Here is some information I found on Cayugas colors:

• Initial Plumage:
  Young Cayuga ducks, both male and female, have a distinctive jet-black plumage with a green or "beetle" sheen, especially on the head of males.
  
  
• Aging and Molting:
  As Cayuga ducks age and molt each summer, females will begin to develop white feathers among their black feathers, which is a normal part of their development.
  
  
• Mottled Appearance:
  This process can lead to a mottled or speckled appearance as the white feathers become more prominent.
  
  
• Not a Sign of Poor Breeding:
  The development of white feathers in Cayuga ducks is not a sign of poor breeding or a genetic defect, but rather a natural part of their aging process.
  
  
• Don't Select Against White Feathers:
  It's important to note that selectively breeding against white feathers can lead to a loss of the characteristic beetle-green sheen, so it's best to accept white feathers as a natural part of the breed.
  
  
• White Feathers in Females:
  The appearance of white feathers is more common and noticeable in female Cayuga ducks than in males.
  
  
• Leg Color Change:
  As they age, the black legs of Cayuga ducks can also turn more orangish in color.

 

[Bolfreak]

Cayuga ducklings can have a lighter chest color (not to be confused with a bright yellow that later becomes a Bib like Swedish ducks). They develop their juvenile beetle black fine. I’ve not noticed eye stripes in my ducklings, but tbh have never looked for them. Those are so faint it’s possible like the chest they’ll just fade into the Black as well. Cute little babies