How to Make a Wood Duck House

Wood ducks nest in woodland areas along lakes, rivers and wetland areas. The wood duck is considered by many bird watchers as the most colorful waterfowl species. It is important to protect the wood duck's habitat and help provide it with nesting sites.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Simple woodworking tools like a saw, hammer
• Wood glue
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Board approximately board approximately 7 ft long,
• 1 inch thick and 10 inches wide
• Portable drill with bits would also be helpful but not necessary

1. A nest box should be constructed of a weather-resistant wood such as cedar. The wood can be painted, stained or treated but only on the outside surface.

2. The box is a simple long rectangle as shown below.

3. The pole can be a galvanized steel fence post, a 2-inch metal pole or a 4 x 4-foot cedar post.

4. The entrance hole should be 4 inches in diameter or an oval that is 3 inches high and 4 inches wide. This is the perfect size for a wood duck.

5. A 3-inch wide strip of 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth should be securely fastened to the inside of the box under the entrance hole. This will function as a ladder for the hen and newly hatched ducklings. Bend sharp edges under to protect the ducklings.

6. Pole mounted boxes should be placed in a shady location. When exposed to direct sun they may become too hot for egg survival. Also white paint and vent holes help but natural 1 inch think boards have proved to be the best choice.

7. Wood ducks are highly secretive and selective when choosing a nesting sight. Locate your box in a secluded area either near water or over water. If placed over water the entrance hole should face open water not the shoreline and it should be 4 foot above the high water line. If the box is placed on land it should be located no more than 30 to 150 feet from shoreline with no obstacles such as roads or fences in the way.

Tips & Warnings

• A 3-inch layer of coarse sawdust should be placed at the bottom box to serve as nesting material and to keep the eggs from rolling around.
• The more you know and learn about wood ducks in your area the better chance you have of providing them with a safe, cozy nest to raise their young.
• It is very advisable to fit the pole with a sheet metal cone just below the box but at least three feet from the ground. This will safeguard the nest from mammalian predators such as raccoons, mink and squirrels. This cone guard technique also deters snakes. Sheet metal is hard to work with but these guards can easily be purchased if you chose.

Resources

• Wood Duck The Best Practices
• Habitat Requirements for Wood Ducks
• Additional Instructions on Wood Duck Houses

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on 4/21/2009 Great article.Visit this page if you want to buy a wood duck house:http://cyberforest.net/duck-houses/wood-duck-house.htm