When it comes to installing a wood duck house, one of the most important considerations is which direction the house should face. The ideal direction depends on several factors, including sunlight, prevailing winds, and potential predators. With a bit of thought and planning, you can determine the optimal direction for your wood duck house.
Facing the Water
In most cases, wood duck houses should face the water rather than facing inland or parallel to the shoreline. Ducks prefer to land on the water and walk straight into their house. Facing the house toward the water provides the most convenient access.
An exception is if the body of water is very large or subject to high winds or waves. In that case, ducks may have difficulty flying directly into the entrance. Turning the house at a 45 degree angle facing partly inland can make access easier in high winds.
Considering Sunlight
Another factor is sunlight. Too much intense sunlight can make the interior hot and uncomfortable for ducklings. In warmer climates, aim to provide shade from the midday and afternoon sun.
In general, an easterly direction is ideal to avoid afternoon heat. A house facing northeast to southeast will receive morning sun but be shaded in the hottest part of the day. Just be sure the entrance does not face directly into the rising sun, which can obscure a duck’s vision.
Prevailing Winds
Strong winds can make landing difficult for ducks. Position the house so the entrance is parallel to the prevailing winds in your area. The interior will stay cooler and drier if winds blow across rather than directly into the hole.
Avoid facing the house into the predominate wind direction. This funnels the wind right into the box, which can chill the eggs and young ducklings.
Predator Protection
Consider surrounding threats when determining direction. If raccoons or other predators approach from a certain direction, point the entrance away from that access point. Give ducks a clear view of any likely predators.
Similarly, locate the house away from overhanging branches. Raccoons and snakes can drop down onto the box from above.
Elevation and Location
The overall site of the duck box also impacts the ideal direction. Elevated houses near the shore often point inland to provide an easy flight path. Boxes on poles over water face varying directions depending on the setup.
Make sure the entrance is free from obstructions like vegetation, fences, or other debris. Ducks need a clear 10 feet in front to comfortably land and enter.
Multiple Houses
When installing several houses in one area, vary the direction slightly between boxes. This prevents competition between duck families and gives each pair a sense of their own space.
Monitoring Use
The first year with a new wood duck house is experimental. Note if one direction seems to get more activity than other boxes. Adjust placement the following year if needed.
Also clean out old nesting materials annually. This helps provide the right environment to encourage ducks to return.
Ideal Direction Summary
In summary, the ideal direction for a wood duck house depends on:
- Facing the water while angled slightly away from waves or wind
- East to southeast facing to get morning sun only
- Parallel to prevailing winds
- Angled away from predatorapproach paths
- Elevated high enough to avoid obstacles during approach
- Varied between houses within sightlines
How to Mount a Wood Duck House
Proper mounting is key to both the safety and effectiveness of a wood duck house. Here are some top mounting tips:
On Land
The optimal height for a wood duck house mounted on a pole on land is around 10-15 feet. This is high enough to protect from predators but low enough for easy access.
Use metal poles or wooden 4×4 posts set in concrete for stability. Make sure the pole is high enough that vegetation will not overgrow it.
Angle the front of the pole slightly toward the water. This helps guide ducks during their landing approach.
Over Water
For houses mounted on poles within the water, aim for a height of 5-7 feet. The house should remain above the highest water level but give ducks an easy direct flight path.
Options for in-water poles include:
- Metal pipes driven into the lake or marsh bottom
- T-posts hammered as far down as possible
- Lightweight metal fence posts or conduit
- Pressure-treated 4×4 wood posts
Check the depth and stability carefully to ensure the post remains upright year-round.
On Trees
It’s best to mount wood duck houses to live, healthy trees rather than dead trees or stumps. Look for a straight trunked hardwood tree near the water’s edge.
Use a metal bracket, band, or wire to securely attach the house against the trunk. Make sure it’s high enough to be away from ground predators.
Angle the house slightly downward so rain does not collect on the roof. Include predator protection around the base of the tree if possible.
On Platforms
For added stability over water, wood duck houses can be mounted on wooden platforms built on posts, similar to how osprey nests are made.
Use pressure treated 4x4s or 6x6s to build a stable wooden raft, keeping the top of the platform around 5 feet above water.
The platform should extend at least 2 feet around all sides of the duck house. Add predator guards to deter climbing animals.
Wood Duck House Construction
The quality of your wood duck house directly impacts whether ducks choose to use it. Follow these guidelines in your duck house plans:
Dimensions
The interior cavity should be around 10 inches high x 12 inches wide x 12-24 inches deep. The longer the depth, the more ducklings it can accommodate.
The entrance hole should be 4 inches across and located about 18 inches above the floor.
Materials
Use exterior grade plywood at least 1/2 inch thick for the walls and floors to provide insulation. Avoid treated wood, as the chemicals could harm ducklings.
The roof should be sloped or domed to allow rain runoff. Cover it with asphalt shingles, metal, or other waterproof material.
Ventilation and Drainage
Drill ventilation holes near the top of the walls under the roofline. Add smaller drainage holes along the floor.
Position the floor slightly sloped toward the front. This allows the inside to drain fully.
Accessibility
One side of the house should be hinged to open up for annual cleaning and monitoring. Screws allow easier access than nails.
Consider adding a predator guard below the entrance. An 8-inch PVC pipe around the pole can prevent raccoons from climbing.
Dark Interior
Paint the entire interior with a dark, non-toxic sealant or stain. Ducklings are stressed by excess light, and a dark brooding chamber keeps them calmer.
Wood Shavings
Fill the floor with 2-4 inches of clean wood shavings for nesting material. Do not use sawdust, straw, or grasses, which retain moisture and can grow mold.
When to Put Up a Wood Duck House
Follow this yearly timeline for proper wood duck house placement and maintenance:
Fall
- Build or clean out old houses in early fall before migration begins
- Repair/replace any damaged houses and check stability of mounting poles
- Choose location and direction and mount the house securely
Winter
- Leave houses empty and unlocked through winter for roosting ducks seeking shelter
- Monitor any winter use; consider modifying direction or placement based on duck behavior
Spring
- Early spring, remove old wood shavings down to bare wood, clean out debris
- Add 2-4 inches fresh shavings just before breeding season
- Lock the house once a duck pair shows interest and begins using the box
Summer
- Monitor the box weekly for any problems but avoid disturbing nesting ducks
- Once ducklings fledge in midsummer, clean out the house completely
- Make any repairs needed and leave the house open and empty again
Tips for Attracting Wood Ducks
Follow these tips to encourage wood ducks to take up residence:
- Maintain lush shoreline vegetation good for nesting and cover
- Leave dead snags in the water for roosting sites
- Keep pets and disturbances away from the nesting site
- Control water levels to prevent flooding of the box
- Use boxes with rough-textured wood, as wood ducks prefer a natural grip surface
- Have some houses ready and waiting before migration starts
A properly placed and constructed wood duck house makes an attractive home. With yearly cleaning and maintenance, your box should be occupied year after year.
Conclusion
Determining the optimal direction for a wood duck house requires considering sunlight, wind direction, surrounding threats, and mounting location. Facing the water while angling slightly away from waves or wind provides the ideal access point. An east to southeast direction gives morning sun exposure without overheating. Keep the entrance parallel to prevailing winds and point the box away from likely predator approach paths. Careful house construction and placement timed before migration starts significantly increases the chance of attracting a mating pair to raise ducklings each spring.
