Wood Duck/Mandarin nest boxes..

[SamG347]

I would like to see what nesting boxes everyone provides for their wood/mandarin ducks. I have a big hollow stump I'm thinking of possibly turning into my nest box..just worried about there being possibly to much moisture. But I mean a tree is a tree and it is what they use in the wild. Any pics and or suggestions would be great.
Thanks!

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

I've used natural stumbs with holes in them. I would cut them about 18 inches tall and nail some plywood over the top and bottom, and sit them upright in the aviaries for them, they wourk just fine.
The basic man made box is
12 wide, 18" tall, and 12" deep

put a oversized roof on top with a slight slope to drain water off it. I also drill a few 1/4" holes in the bottom for drainage too.

about 3/4's of the way up the front, make an oval shaped hole, 3 " tall 4" wide in the front center .

I also put a little hardware cloth in the front to aid in getting in and out, gives their toes something to easily grap

That's about it

 

[SamG347]

How high off the ground would you say the stump would have to be? I think converting it into a nest box would be really cool and just look natural.
Thanks!

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

yep, the ones I did looked really nice, most of those I just placed on the ground at the waters edge in the aviaries. You can put them as high as your netting will allow though.