How to Look for Wood Duck Eggs to Hatch

Wood ducks are a species of duck that live year-round in the eastern portion of the United States. They are known for being a beautiful variety of water fowl, and can be hunted or raised for other purposes. The wood duck makes its home in marshes, near rivers and lakes, and in other wooded areas with water. You may find wood duck eggs in the wild or place nests created for wood ducks to hatch eggs, but eggs can also be purchased from many commercial sources .

Things You'll Need

  • Nesting box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look for wood duck eggs in the wild in areas with water and trees for nesting. Wood ducks like to nest in dead trees that can be hollowed out. There are many predators that eat the eggs, so wood ducks prefer to nest in a secure location. The nests are often lined with feathers and other debris. Removing an egg from the nest may cause the entire nest to die, so this is not recommended.

    • 2

      Create a nesting box if you have wood ducks located in your area. This can help attract the ducks to you so that you do not have to look far for eggs for hatching. The box should be placed closed to a body of water and have a hole large enough for the ducks to enter. but small enough to keep out raccoons and other predators. The nest should be a plain box and elevated so that predators cannot reach it. Line the box with wood shavings so that the ducks can create a comfortable nest.

    • 3

      Look through the Game Bird Gazette magazine to find information on places to purchase wood duck eggs for hatching purposes if you are unable to find them in the wild. The magazine also has information on the hatching and breeding process once you obtain the eggs.

    • 4

      Look on the Internet at auction sites for wood duck egg breeders selling eggs. The eggs are fragile and expensive, so they are not as common as other breeds of duck eggs for sale. Check for wood duck eggs for sale in local classified ads, particularly in farming sections. You may be able to find a local breeder or hatchery who is selling eggs for hatching purposes.