Plans For A Wood Duck House : House Plans

Plans For A Wood Duck House

Wood ducks are beautiful and fascinating birds that are a joy to watch. They are also very beneficial to have around, as they help to control insects and other pests. If you are interested in attracting wood ducks to your property, one of the best things you can do is to provide them with a nesting house. Wood duck houses are relatively easy to build, and they can provide a safe and comfortable place for these birds to raise their young.

Materials You Will Need

To build a wood duck house, you will need the following materials:

1x6 pine boards
1x4 pine boards
1/2-inch plywood
1/4-inch hardware cloth
1-inch wood screws
2-inch wood screws
Wood glue
Caulk
Paint or stain (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you have gathered all of your materials, you can begin building the wood duck house by following these step-by-step instructions:

Cut the 1x6 pine boards to the following lengths:
- 2 pieces at 16 inches
- 2 pieces at 12 inches
- 2 pieces at 8 inches
Assemble the front and back walls of the house by attaching the 1x6 pine boards to the 1x4 pine boards with wood screws. The front wall should have a 4-inch hole cut in the center for the entrance.
Cut the 1/2-inch plywood to fit the bottom of the house. Attach the plywood to the bottom of the front and back walls with wood screws.
Cut the 1/4-inch hardware cloth to fit the front of the house. Attach the hardware cloth to the front of the house with wood screws.
Assemble the roof of the house by attaching the 1x6 pine boards to the top of the front and back walls with wood screws. The roof should overhang the front and back walls by about 2 inches.
Caulk all of the seams in the house to make it waterproof.
Paint or stain the house (optional).

Placement and Maintenance

Once you have built the wood duck house, you need to find a suitable place to put it. Wood ducks prefer to nest in areas that are close to water, so the best place to put the house is near a pond, lake, or river. The house should be placed at a height of about 4 to 10 feet off the ground. You should also make sure that the house is facing away from the prevailing wind.

Once you have placed the house, you should check it regularly to make sure that it is in good condition. You should also clean out the house once a year to remove any nesting material that has been left behind. By following these tips, you can help to provide a safe and comfortable home for wood ducks and enjoy these beautiful birds for years to come.