13
Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser Nest Box
Wood duck populations have made a
significant comeback during the past
20 years, in part because of adding
additional cavity nesting habitat in
the form of boxes such as the one
described below. Boxes should be
placed over water or in woodland
habitat within 1/2 mile of a wetland.
Since a female wood duck must lead
her newborn young from the house to
water, the path should be free of major
man-made obstacles like street curbs,
highways, or tightly woven wire fences.
Boxes placed on posts over water
should be 6-8 ft. above the water's
surface. Boxes placed in woodland
habitat should be at least 20 ft. high.
At least 3" of mixed sawdust and
wood chips should be put into the
bottom of the box. The top of the box
should be wired down to prevent
raccoons from entering. It is
important to attach a 1/4" wire mesh
inside the box and below the hole so
young ducklings are able to crawl out
upon hatching. Entrance holes should
be 3" high and 4" wide.
Place rear hinge nail 3-1/2"
down from top edge. Use a
square to align rear hinge
nail with front hinge nail.
3/4" wide strip
3/4"
1"
3-4"
bolt hole
Duckman
®
“Speed-
Mount" washer goes
inside. Use inside
house after hanging
on bolt.
1/4" bolt or
nail-sized hole
Floor recessed 1/2"
1/4" wire mesh
4" x 12"
11-1/4"
13"
7-7/8" wide after
trimming 1/8" off back
edge of door only
Front nail hinge
Side wall 8" wide
18"
9-1/4" 9-1/4"
6"
8"
1"
Clean-out
door
1/16"
gaps
45º cut finger groove (use
rounded rasp to make this)
bottom latch
Drain holes are not
recommended for
this house design
