Building a nesting box is an easy woodworking project. Overhead, two sides or three sides covering nest box provide them more secure and private environment. The Wood Duck is sometimes called the Maned Goose as they look more like miniature geese than ducks. Draw a straight line to connect the marks using a ruler or straight edge, and then cut along the line. A single short screw will secure the door, yet allow easy access for cleaning. 36" piece of metal or plastic pipe at least 8" in diameter, (2) 3/8" bolts (long enough to go through the pipe and into the pole). A predator guard will help to improve the chance of a successful hatch by preventing egg-eating raccoons and other predators from entering your nest box. How to Build Nest Boxes for a Mallard Duck. Line up the remaining side (part C). Round off the edges with a file and sandpaper, or use a round over bit in a router to create a finished edge. Tree mount: Nail the guard in place - if the tree is alive, check the guard often to ensure tree growth hasn't popped the guard off. Building Nest Boxes? These ducks build nests in abandoned woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities caused by disease, fire or lightning. A Wood Duck using a for-Wood Duck designed Hollow Log Homes nest box. Place the nest box where entry flyway is clear, in or near fresh water, but away from trees. Simple, cheap and rewarding! Don't have wood ducks in your area?A duck box may even attract other cavity nesting birds such as kestrels, tree swallows, great crested flycatchers or screech owls. Pole mount: Bolt the guard into place about 2" below the nest box. Wood Duck Box Design. Use an electric jigsaw to cut out the hole once you have made a pilot hole with a drill. Using a pliers, turn in any uncovered sharp edges. Appreciate the plans for building a box - great info. Fold the sheet in half along the 49" length, creating a front and a back - each 24" wide. This will significantly increase the chances that a pair of birds will take up residence in your handcrafted birdhouse. For added protection, add a baffle to the post to make it harder for predators to reach the nest box. Avoiding the seam, make four cuts in an "X" pattern from the hole in the top (center) to make an opening the diameter of the pole you will use for mounting your box. They’re not the cutest, but the ducks love them. See more ideas about bird houses diy, bird house plans, bird houses. I guess the little ones are pretty tough. Our industries are reducing habitat – we can create more nesting options for many of our endangered species. They inhabit forested ponds, swamps, streams and marshes with standing dead timber, logs and stumps. The males rarely make much noise but listen out for the female Wood Duck making a long, loud 'gnow' sound. From the same end, measure up 16\" along the opposite edge and make another mark. Though, as Wood Ducks typically complete the nesting cycle before the Black Bellies arrive, you may well find this nest box used by both … Each has advantages and disadvantages but wooden boxes are generally considered the most attractive, blends in well with the natural environment and wood ducks seem to accept wooden boxes faster than other types. The just-big-enough entrance size for Eastern Rosellas is 65mm, they will also use entrances 70mm in diameter, but preference is not for any larger if there are smaller options. Seasonal flooding could wash out a nest box and make the ducks more vulnerable to predation. If a female is present, close the door quietly and do not disturb her. They nest in trees near ponds and stream, and they will even choose a site that is directly above the water. In fact, ducks will even use their bottoms to wiggle round nest depressions into moist soil. Wood duck nest boxes can be constructed from different materials; sheet metal, fiberboard, plastic, and cardboard. They always bounce back. Clip off each of the corners on the bottom piece (part E) at a 45 degree angle, creating small gaps for drainage. Vicki Green from Wandering the Pacific Northwest USA on October 03, 2011: Amazing video of the little ducks jumping from the nest box - good thing they can bounce! Their feet have strong claws that enables them to perch on tree branches. Then, they’ll bring water back to the nest area in their feathers to moisten the area. Nesting materials: Add four inches of wood chips. A conical metal flange or other predator guard is a good idea (see ducks.org/ conservation/duck_box_plans.pdf). Gather your wood duck box, predator guard, and tools then use our tips to find the right place to install . I love the way you have laid out the instructions - very clear and easy to follow. Cut the top edge of the sides (part C) on a 30-degree angle to create a slope for the roof. Tawny owl chicks start to explore their surroundings well before fledging, and so the box needs to have nearby branches they can climb over. Question: When should I put up my wood duck nest box in South Louisiana? I just have to watch that video again...I'm amazed every time I see the ducklings take that bit jump. Slip pipe over the pole. Put on your safety glasses and gloves. Birds are very fussy when it comes to selecting a nesting site. The shorter sides create a 1/4" gap under the roof for air circulation. When a bird has hatched out her brood and left, if ants are still present then remove all nesting material, give the box a good spray with fly-spray and provide fresh wood-wool. Then, build the birdhouse with their specific requirements in mind. Adding a Woodie nest for the first time around my pond....any suggestions? You can purchase the storage bins at the dollar store. Drill and countersink a screw hole along the center of the bottom edge. Measure the hole to be 4-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. For mobile phones, the list is right down the bottom of this page. If placed on land, face the entry hole toward water. Chickens keep their nests tidy. Cut out a 7-foot long and 36-inch wide piece of the fencing wire and it is better if you have the plastic coated one, since it protects against rust. Cut the boards into the following parts: Cut the top edge of the sides (part C) on a 30-degree angle to create a slope for the roof. I love wood ducks and wish they would put up boxes in my area. Ducks will turn a tidy nest dirty in a day or two. (I didn't know this). Slip the unfolded side under the 1" fold. Wrap the string around your pencil, tightening the slack until the tip of the pencil sits on your 36" outer mark. Plastic storage bins make a great way to have nesting boxes on a tight budget. Position the partially assembled nest box to the back (part B), leaving space both above and below the nest box assemble for mounting the finished box to a tree or pole. The inner nest cup may be lined with softer, finer materials. This duck house is attractive, sturdy, secure and will provide secure shelter, and nesting area for 2-4 ducks. Choose your preferred predator guard below based on where and how you will install your duck box. Answer: Wood duck nest boxes can be placed over land or water. Nest box designs: making your own. It make an appropriate substitute for a nesting box. Coveside Conservation Black Bellied Whistling Duck House Kit, Quality Handcrafted Black Bellied Whistling Duck Nesting Box at FiddleCreekFarms.com - Often called Mexican ducks, Black Bellied Whistling Ducks require a larger opening than Wood Ducks do. This lucky YouTube contributor had 14 ducklings hatch from their nesting box. The wood duck season remained closed for over 20 years (1918 – 1941). I like that idea of the wifi camera in the box. Fill it with hay, and your chickens will make it their new favorite laying spot in no time. As more woodland is lost to urban sprawl, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for cavity nesting birds to find suitable nesting sites to safely raise their young. Lol...I would have never believed it if I had not seen it.