What is a mallard nesting house?
Often referred to as “mallard factories,” mallard nesting houses are similar in concept to wood duck boxes. They consist of a homemade or purchased tunnel structure designed to provide mallards with a safe refuge. Since mallards have a very difficult time defending their nests, the housing structures must have some overhead cover and must be placed over water far enough from shore so they are not accessible to predators. “Mallard nesting houses have evolved over the years through extensive testing,” said Dave Silewski, owner of Dakota Nesting Structures, one of the largest producers of waterfowl nesting structures in the United States. “Many of the early structures required a lot of maintenance and work. Some of the new structures are virtually maintenance free and very easy to set up. I think that is why the popularity among waterfowl enthusiasts has increased.” Delta Waterfowl Foundation, a leading waterfowl conservation group, has conducted research showing that mallard nesting hous
