Prairie Pothole Predator Guards!
The Prairie Pothole Chapter has been working with Chappell Central for the past several years to build and distribute high quality wood duck box predator
guards. Since the guards have become so popular Chappell Central has asked the chapter to assume a greater responsibility. So now you can order the predator guards
directly from Prairie Pothole! Each style of predator guard is shipped directly from Chappell Central and includes the predator guard, brackets (if required), and a
best practices flyer.
Predator Guard Forms:
Local Orders - Pick-up directly from Chappell Central
If you live in or near Willmar, Mn you can purchase predator guards directly from Chappell Central on a cash and carry basis. Please contact the receptionist at (320) 235 - 2151 for assistance.
Wood Duck Nesting Box Best Practices
Roger Strand, a founding member of the Prairie Pothole Chapter, is a nationally recognized authority on wood ducks and nesting structures. He has spent years observing wood
duck nesting practices on Stoney Ridge Farm and has refined these observations into some best practices. These include mounting the nesting box on a pole instead of high in a tree.
The use of predator guards to protect nesting hens. The proper placement of wood duck nesting structures in the landscape. Advantages of these best practices include easier maintenance
, no ladders required, and better predator protection. Placing nesting structures in trees requires ladders and they can never by adequately protected from predators. Rogers best
practices approach simplifies your life while ensuring nest box protection. While the predator guard provides protection from the ground it is important to recognize that predators can
reach the nesting box from adjacent trees and limbs, so it is important to maintain at least a 8-10 foot zone around each box. More information about wood ducks and nesting structures
can be found on the wood duck society web site.
