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<br />uttawa Duck Club - PreSident's Keport <br /> <br />Maintenance Checklist <br /> <br />It is generally agreed that the best time to give your duck <br />box a "tune-up" is over the winter or just before the nesting <br />season. We service our duck boxes over the winter because the <br />ice and snow usually provides us with easier access. <br /> <br />Begin your Duck Box maintenance routine with <br />home inspection and repair. <br /> <br />Inspection and Repair <br /> <br />A standard duck box is sturdy, however, they are normally <br />placed in very exposed areas. Over time, a box will see <br />weather damage and may need to be repaired. <br /> <br />Things to look for during an annual p~e-season nest box check <br />are that: <br /> <br />. the main support is secure <br />. the box is securely attached and cannot be moved <br />. the box is vertical with a slight lean forward (ducklings <br />may not be able to climb up and out of boxes that are <br />tilted back away from the opehing) <br />. the box is at the optimal height of 6-12 feet <br />. all screws and bolts are tight <br />e the predator guard is in good condition and firmly <br />attached <br />. damaged and rotten pieces are replaced <br />. the entrance diameter is 3x4 inches - this size is critical <br />for stopping predators like raccoons; if damaged or worn, <br />firmly attach a face plate with a proper sized hole onto the <br />front of the nest box $0 that it aligns with the original <br />entrance hole <br />. the removable door opens and closes easily <br />. the ladder for newly hatched young is intact (Note: some <br />suggest that engraving horizontal lines along the interior <br />with a screwdriver and/or chisel is preferable to wire <br /> <br />http://odc.ncf.calduckboxmaint.html <br /> <br />... """-b""' ..... '--' - - <br /> <br />'" <br /> <br />6/19/2005 <br />