According to Dave Rave, a DNR waterfowl biologist in Bemidji, studies have shown that hen houses improve nesting success of hen mallards. In a normal duck nest, on average only two out of nine eggs hatch, due to predation. But almost all of the eggs laid in hen houses hatch. Rave says that since 1996, more than 2,000 ducklings have hatched from the 110 hen houses placed into wetlands in southwest Grant County. This project was supported by the DNR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Niemackl Lakes Sportsman's Club.
Volunteers visit the hen houses each winter to refill the hay inside the cylinders.
Biologists check the structures several times each spring to record nesting success. Tree swallows and grackles also nest in the hen houses, and herons, egrets, and belted kingfishers use the structures as resting and hunting locations. Rave and other DNR biologists are analyzing the nesting success information to determine better ways to hatch ducklings from hen houses. When we finish this study, we'll provide the information to wildlife managers, sports clubs, and anyone else interested in raising wild ducks. Back to top 6 .