Wood Duck House Building Plans : House Plans

Wood Duck House Building Plans

Wood ducks are beautiful and beneficial waterfowl that can help control pests in your pond or wetland area. These birds require a specific type of nesting box to successfully raise their young, and building one is a rewarding project that can provide years of enjoyment. Here are some detailed instructions and plans for building a wood duck house:

Materials:

1x6 rough-sawn cedar or redwood lumber (for the walls)
1x4 rough-sawn cedar or redwood lumber (for the roof)
1/2-inch exterior-grade plywood (for the floor and back)
1-inch galvanized screws
2-inch galvanized nails
Wood glue
Asphalt roofing shingles or cedar shakes
Drill
Saw
Hammer or nail gun

Dimensions:

Front: 12 inches wide x 18 inches high
Sides: 12 inches wide x 15 inches high
Back: 12 inches wide x 12 inches high
Floor: 12 inches wide x 12 inches deep
Roof: 14 inches wide x 18 inches long
Entrance hole: 3 inches in diameter, located 6 inches above the floor on the front panel

Instructions:

1. Cut the wood according to the dimensions listed above. Cut the entrance hole in the front panel using a drill and jigsaw. Sand all edges smooth.

2. Assemble the walls by gluing and screwing the side panels to the front and back panels. Make sure the edges are flush.

3. Attach the floor to the bottom of the walls using glue and screws. Make sure the floor is level.

4. Install the roof by gluing and nailing the roof panels to the top of the walls. Overlap the roof panels by 2 inches.

5. Cover the roof with asphalt roofing shingles or cedar shakes. Install the shingles or shakes according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6. Mount the wood duck house on a post or tree at least 6 feet above the ground. The entrance should face away from the prevailing wind. If you are mounting the house on a post, use galvanized bolts to secure it. If you are mounting the house on a tree, use lag bolts to secure it.

7. Add a layer of wood chips or straw to the floor of the house for nesting material. Wood duck houses should be cleaned once a year to remove old nesting material and prevent parasites.