Wood Ducks

[Unkljohn]

I've got a few questiona about Woodies for the knowledgeable folks here. Once they select a nest, how long until they normally lay their eggs, and how long after that until the eggs hatch. I've got a couple of pairs nesting in some boxes I put up on my lake. [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
JT

[walt333ms]

1..they nest about now....make sure u have dry, clean shavings..., horse bedding is great and very cheep...place here in jackson-another in leland...

2..make sure that you dont put them real close together...woodies are very territorial if they see other birds may "dump" the nest,....

you can place them close but make sure they cant see each other...even two on the same pole facing away from each other....

3..it is my understanding
..she will sit on the eggs about 28 days, and not leave the nest...chicks will only stay in the nest about a day after hatching....then the long jump out...make sure u have water under...

this past season on the last day, pair of wood ducks would light in cypress tree 150 yards from me, when a gun would fire they would make a large circle out in the lake and come back...feel sure they are some of my nested birds and they will nest again there in the cypress...with a few boxes and a few good year you can sure see the change that you made
this is my 5th year, have about 7 boxes...

take care
uncle walt and sam

[Redhead]

I've got a box on my pond at the house and I have had woodies use it the last few years I am not sure how long it takes before they start laying but I do know you don't want to mess with them they are very skiddish and will leave if messed with. see the attached for more info.

http://www.duckhealth.com/hatcduck.html

[Unkljohn]

OK, Maybe they haven't laid the eggs just yet, but they are staying very close to the boxes!!! I've seen the hens actually standing on top of them while the drakes chase each other around on the water. Once they are hatched how long until they can fly??? How long will they stick around after they can fly???
Thanks
JT [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[laduck]

The wood duck hen will lay a clutch of 10-15 eggs. She will lay 1 egg each day. The young will hatch between 28-37 days. Young remain in the nest 24 hours after hatching. They will fledge in 56-79 days. They are perocial and will travel with the hen to different areas after they hatch. Jack

Shoot them sprigs on their first pass!

[judge jb]

actually don't even need water under them... woodies have been known to drop out of boxes or trees and travel over a quarter of a mile to water... preditation is about equal... ever see a bass suck a ducklin down.... there is alot of good to come out of woodie boxes.... put them up and they will come... along with owls, starlings, blue birds and squirrels... clean them out every winter and let them be.....

judge jb