Guidelines for Mounting Wood Duck Nest Boxes from SCDNR
1. Boxes should not be hidden. Boxes should be placed so that there is a 40'' flight line in front of the box that is free from obstructions such as tree limbs or bushes.
2. Using a 4"x4"x10' treated wooden post, the post should be buried deep enough (24-36") to support the weight of the box and secure enough to support monitoring activities. If using lag bolts, drill a hole for the lag bolts used to mount the box. Install the post into the ground.
3. Slip the predator guard over the post, but do not nail to post. Mount the box onto the post; then nail the predator guard in place, just below the box.
4. When attaching the box to the post, use 2, 3"- 5" lag bolts or 4, 2"- 3" deck screws instead of nails. Bolts and screws make it easier to remove boxes in the future for replacement or repair as necessary.
5. Attach a 2" hook and eye to the base of the door to ensure box remains shut.
6. Position the box as nearly vertical as possible, with a very slight tilt forward. The tilt will enable ducklings to climb out more easily. Add wood shavings to a depth of 4"- 8" in the bottom of the box.
7. Boxes should be placed at the rate of 1 per acre in suitable brood-rearing habitat.
8. Boxes should be placed so that the bottom of the box is at least 4 feet above the high water mark.
9. Do not place more than one box per post, as this may increase the possibility of "dump nesting."
10. No box should be mounted without a predator guard or without the intention of maintenance and monitoring.
11. If multiple boxes are used on a property, livestock ear tags can be purchased from many farm supply stores and used to number the boxes.