Proper entry hole dimensions are critical. Cavity nesting ducks do not carry nesting materials. DU’s Pacific Northwest field office named WDFW Partner Organization of the Year. Ducks Unlimited does not recommend applying a finish to cedar boxes. See our tips for building a predator guard and finding the right place to install. This too is a good reason to keep your boxes in top condition. Conical predator guards made of sheet metal are most effective. See detailed view below. Ideally, a four-inch layer of wood shavings should be added to each box for nesting material. This represented the first recorded use of artificial nesting structures for wood ducks. If you are cutting your board with a handsaw or jigsaw, use anything with a straight edge (square, ruler, or spare board) to mark a line with a pencil as a guide. The dimensions of the box should be large enough to hold 12 to 15 clutch eggs and hen. Cypress is a great wood material that can withstand long-term weather conditions. A finish might help to extend the life of a plywood box. Since these pioneering efforts, thousands of wood duck boxes have been built and erected by a diversity of people and groups, from wildlife agencies to conservation-minded private citizens. We recommend one 1 X 10 X 12' cedar board (3/4" thick by 9 1/4" wide) lumber that is rough on one side (for the inside of the box). [STEP 2] On the outer face of the front, cut an oval-shaped entry hole, 4 ½ inches wide and 3 ½ inches high. As you make your cuts, label your pieces for reference during assembly. Suitable brood habitat must be available within a couple of hundred yards in order for ducklings to survive once they exit the box. Waterfowl biologists have seen waterfowl migrating in the fall scope out potential nesting sites for next spring. Do not apply finish inside the box. Boxes made of plastic or metal are not preferred. You'll see these birds using wooded wetlands that contain water year-round or, at least, throughout the summer. Wood Duck Box Plans [STEP 1] Start with a 12-foot plank of 1×10 lumber--cedar is best; pine will work. DU celebrates historic signing of ACE Act into law, These wooden structures help boost local wood duck populations. In addition, shallow, fertile wetlands with thick cover and an abundance of invertebrates typically provide the best habitat for broods. By building, installing and maintaining nest boxes, individuals can gain insight into the interesting aspects of wood duck nesting and reproduction, while helping to boost local populations. These wooden structures help boost local wood duck populations, and may also be used by other cavity nesting birds. 3). Rough-cut, unfinished lumber is preferred because ducklings have no trouble climbing the inside of the box with their sharp claws to reach the exit hole. Nesting sites for these birds are limited in number. Wood duck boxes provide a man-made alternative, where hens can nest in relative safety from predators. It's important to help them out by placing four to six inches of wood shavings in the bottom of the box. Boxes should be cleaned out and replenished with fresh nesting material every year in late winter, before hens initiate nesting in early spring. Already have a nesting box? It's important to help them out by placing four to six inches of wood shavings in the bottom of the box. This information has been compiled from the nest box guide for waterfowl by Ducks Unlimited and the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada; and a conservator article by Mearl Ronney (Vol. If you don't have any ducks using your box over the summer, don't worry. If using a nail, do not hammer all the way in. You do not want the wood to be treated because it can be poisonous to avian species. Double check your measurements for accuracy before cutting. All nesting boxes should be secured to protect hens and their clutches from nest predators, especially raccoons and rat snakes. Attach the floor by fastening two screws through the back (1) and two through the side (2). Do not apply finish inside the box. The horizontal slots will provide toe holds when the ducklings climb out. Materials: • One 1”x10”x10’ cypress (used here) or cedar • One 1x12x13” cypress (used here) or cedar • Thirty-five to forty 2” exterior-grade deck screws • One galvanized screen door “propeller” latch • One 4x12” wire mesh (1/4”) or metal lathe (for fledgling exit ladder) When a prospective cavity is found, a hen wood duck will land in the tree and carefully inspect the site for a variety of characteristics, including size, shape and security from predators and the elements. Be sure and construct a predator guard for your wood duck box before installing. Draw the entry hole on the front (4) using a pencil (4 1/2" x 3 1/2" oval). A finish might help to extend the life of a plywood box. It can suffocate ducklings and holds moisture. Unfortunately, their distribution within densely settled regions made them readily accessible to market hunters throughout the year. Attach the roof (6) using four screws from the top and three screws from the back (be careful not to screw into the door).