Wood duck houses-baffle vs no baffle
- Thread starter Tamarack
- Start date
Tree Spud
5 year old buck +
Frirst off, I don't put my wood duck houses in the water. The ducklings can jump and theis no cover for things like hawks 7 fish.
I put my posts on shore about 3-4' from waters edge, that allows for some grass/weed cover if the ducklings jump, and there are food sources like insects, etc. Most important protection period in when the chicks hatch an the are chirping for food from mama. This is a call signal to preditors.
I have 14 wood duck houses out ... some observations ...
You never need a baffle until you need a baffle. I have bluebird houses out where cats will figure a way to claw open the front door by pulling at the bent nails & screws. Once a predator knows there is an easy meal, they will attack until they reach the eggs or chicks.
The baffle holds off (in addition to cats) all the egg loving coons, & other varmits whole will tear apart the wood house. Also protects against snakes.
Overhead tree branches are also areas the predators will hang over and box on the nesting box.
I use 4"4" treated posts or 2.0" metal posts I drive 3-4' into the ground. Anything less and they will eventually tip from predator weight.
I put my posts on shore about 3-4' from waters edge, that allows for some grass/weed cover if the ducklings jump, and there are food sources like insects, etc. Most important protection period in when the chicks hatch an the are chirping for food from mama. This is a call signal to preditors.
I have 14 wood duck houses out ... some observations ...
You never need a baffle until you need a baffle. I have bluebird houses out where cats will figure a way to claw open the front door by pulling at the bent nails & screws. Once a predator knows there is an easy meal, they will attack until they reach the eggs or chicks.
The baffle holds off (in addition to cats) all the egg loving coons, & other varmits whole will tear apart the wood house. Also protects against snakes.
Overhead tree branches are also areas the predators will hang over and box on the nesting box.
I use 4"4" treated posts or 2.0" metal posts I drive 3-4' into the ground. Anything less and they will eventually tip from predator weight.
But they make their way to water asap anyway. Lots of places for them to easily get on shore as well. There are no big fish in this creek. Only minnows and tadpoles.
All the other houses have been coon-free. Just didn't have a baffle on the one above although I brought one along the day I grabbed the cards. New shavings in it so hopefully they'll be back. The ducks that is.
All the other houses have been coon-free. Just didn't have a baffle on the one above although I brought one along the day I grabbed the cards. New shavings in it so hopefully they'll be back. The ducks that is.
j-bird
Moderator
It's nice to get some confirmation that your additional efforts to protect the nests are working.... My creek tends to see wood ducks in the fall as they migrate, but that's about it. They are very interesting birds to watch and listen too.... Those baffles seem to do the trick...especially if you can't or are not hunting/trapping the coons themselves. Coons are smart and nasty little nest raiders....of all types!
ghilliehunter
5 year old buck +
I'm going to put up a box next year, need advise. Do you guys buy or build the box? I would prefer to build it, but don't have to. What about the baffles? It looks like a prefabbed item in the video. That would be good. I would be using 4x4 treated posts next to a pond and definitely would include a baffle. Thanks.
There are a lot of plans out there such as the one here. Or kits that you just put together. More fun making your own imo.
Others will have to jump in on what baffles to use for 4x4 posts. All mine are on poles- mainly 1" conduit pipes put in with a post pounder(up on a step ladder) and then the baffles of course can be found nearly anywhere- metal and plastic.
Edit..I see you can buy such baffles for the posts, too.
Got 2 houses like the one in this video as a gift..not crazy about the door being on top but all the other boards were glued as well as screwed so I just left them alone..for now.
Others will have to jump in on what baffles to use for 4x4 posts. All mine are on poles- mainly 1" conduit pipes put in with a post pounder(up on a step ladder) and then the baffles of course can be found nearly anywhere- metal and plastic.
Edit..I see you can buy such baffles for the posts, too.
Got 2 houses like the one in this video as a gift..not crazy about the door being on top but all the other boards were glued as well as screwed so I just left them alone..for now.
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Tree Spud
5 year old buck +
When I was younger and had more time, I built 15 of them one winter. Now you can buy them on Amazon.
If you want to build your own, here are some plans that show the wood duck house, baffle lay-out, and materials. Some important details such as the wire mesh inside to allow the chicks to climb out when they are ready. Nesting materials are important and annual clean-out also. If you have kids, always fun to have them guild one of their and put it out. Great way to get them away from their phone.
Wood Duck House Plans
Sometimes local/Amish sawmills will have some that isn't perfect but works just fine for duck houses etc..for a bit cheaper.
Those kits look good though.
H20fwler
5 year old buck +
I put predator guards on all my woody boxes no matter what style of box I put out.
I've been using cheap sheet metal made into a cone attached to the post under the boxes, I have seen muddy footprints where coon have tried to breach them. I normally get multiple broods from each box here woodies and hoodies.
I've been using cheap sheet metal made into a cone attached to the post under the boxes, I have seen muddy footprints where coon have tried to breach them. I normally get multiple broods from each box here woodies and hoodies.
