Wood Duck Nest Box Specifications

Wood ducks are cavity-nesting ducks who most often build their nests in abandoned woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities which could have been caused by disease, fire or lighting. These ducks also use a man-made nesting box if built according to specifications that make the box similar to their natural cavity choices.

  1. Materials

    • If you are constructing a wood duck nest box, use a lumber that is naturally resistant to weather and insects to extend the life of the box. Construction requires materials for the back, side, front, floor and door of the box. Additional construction materials include a handsaw or table saw, drill and 1/2 inch bit, jigsaw, screwdriver, sandpaper, pencil, measuring tape and a straight edge. Save the sawdust from the construction process for nesting materials after you complege construction .

    Measurements

    • A typical wood box would have a finished height of 23.5 inches in the front with a gentle slope towards the back of the box increasing the back box height to 31 inches. The total width and depth of the box is 9.25 inches. Drill five 1/2 inch drainage holes in the floor. Cut the entry hole in an oval shape measuring 4.5 inches by 3.5 1/2 inches. Score the inside of the front of the box with horizontal slots to provide toeholds to ducklings as they emerge from the nest.

    Positioning

    • Wood ducks are water fowl usually located in wooded wetland areas that contain water year-round or through the duration of the summer. You also can find this species along riverbanks or shorelines. A dead tree at the water's edge would be the best place for the box, but you also can put it on a solid dead tree located in the water or on poles near dead trees. Position your box so that you can easily access it for monitoring and maintenance. Clear a flight path to your box by removing branches and other debris that may prevent access.

    Predator Control

    • To improve the chances of a successful hatching, constructors of wood duck nest boxes can build predator guards. These guards, primarily made of steel in a steel sandwich format, plastic piping, or a plastic guard. Fold the steel sandwich sheet of 36 inch by 49 inch 28 gauge steel around the mounting -- either bolted or nailed to the mount. Wrap a plastic pipe around the mounting, attached by a bolt. You can make the plastic guard of inexpensive sleds available for children during the winter. If you install a guard on a living tree, provide additional room for the tree to grow.