Building a wood duck house is an excellent way to support the local duck population and promote habitat restoration. Wood ducks are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out hollow spaces to lay their eggs. By providing a safe and suitable nesting site, you can encourage wood ducks to visit your property and aid in their conservation. Here are 12 steps to build your very own wood duck house.

1. Gather materials: To construct a wood duck house, you’ll need untreated lumber (preferably cedar), galvanized screws or nails, a saw, a drill, a ruler or measuring tape, and outdoor wood stain or paint.

2. Create the base: Start by cutting a piece of lumber into a square with sides measuring approximately 12 inches. This will form the base of your duck house.

3. Design the walls: Cut four more pieces of lumber to create the walls of your duck house. The front wall should be approximately 24 inches tall, while the back wall needs to be slightly shorter at around 22 inches tall. The two side walls should be cut at an angle so that they match the slope of the front and back walls.

4. Assemble the walls: Attach the walls to the base using galvanized screws or nails, ensuring they are properly aligned with one another.

5. Cut the entrance hole: Using a drill with a hole saw attachment or a jigsaw, create an entrance hole in the front wall that measures about 4 inches in diameter and is situated at least 18 inches above the base.

6. Install predator guard: To prevent predators such as raccoons from reaching in and grabbing the nesting female or her eggs, add a predator guard to your entrance hole using either a metal collar or an extended piece of wood.

7. Construct ventilation holes: To ensure adequate airflow within your wood duck house, drill several small ventilation holes near the top of each side wall.

8. Assemble the roof: Cut two additional pieces of lumber to create the roof of your duck house. Attach these pieces at an angle to form a peak, keeping in mind that you should provide an overhang to protect the entrance hole from rain and direct sunlight.

9. Add drainage holes: Drill a few small drainage holes in the base of your wood duck house to prevent water accumulation and promote a healthy nesting environment.

10. Apply stain or paint: Protect your wood duck house from the elements by applying an outdoor wood stain or paint to the exterior surface. Ensure you choose a non-toxic product, as it will be in close contact with the ducks.

11. Install an access door: To make it easy to clean your wood duck house between nesting seasons, consider installing a small access door on one of the side walls. You can simply hinge one side wall or cut out a small door that can be secured with screws or latches.

12. Mount your duck house: Lastly, mount your completed wood duck house about 10-15 feet off the ground near a water source such as a pond or marsh, and preferably facing southeast to avoid strong winds. Secure it to a sturdy tree or pole using brackets, making sure it’s level for proper drainage and stability.

Once your wood duck house is installed and ready for occupancy, watch as these beautiful and beneficial birds enjoy their new home! Remember to monitor and maintain your duck house periodically to ensure its longevity for years of successful nesting seasons.