Conservation Conservation Projects Alberta Alberta Hen House Super Sites 2009-10

Alberta Hen House Super Sites 2009-10

Alberta Hen House Super Sites Final Project Report 2009/2010 (pdf)

Goals and Objectives

Delta Waterfowl Foundation is targeting Alberta for the installation of 200 Hen Houses, or what we commonly refer to as two "Super Sites”. A Super Site consists of 100 Hen Houses that are installed and maintained for a ten-year period. The structures will be used in efforts to increase nest success along with hen survival; two of the most important factors driving duck populations.

Each structure installed will be maintained annually and data will be recorded on estimated use and success rates.

Delta will work with the Alberta Conservation Association, local landowners, the Delta Calgary Chapter, and local Fish and Game Associations to provide them the training and support they need to maintain them for 10 consecutive years after installation. We also intend to involve 4H clubs and youth groups.

Activities

Project activities include:

  • Structure construction and shipping to the appropriate site location.
  • Landowner permission, contracts signed.
  • Installation of structures will occur during the winter months when wetlands are frozen, and prior to the breeding season each April.
  • Refurbishing of nesting materials annually, damaged structured fixed or replaced.
  • Annual data collected on GPS locations, usage rates and success rates.

Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions

Based on our efforts in Manitoba, where there are over 2,000 Hen Houses, we have found that they provide a perceived increased value to wetlands. They provide an opportunity for working relationships between hunters, conservation groups and the private landowners who determine the fate of the wetlands themselves. A Hen House agreement will be signed between the parties involved, effective on the day of installation and for 10 years subsequent to installation. 

We expect that we will work with roughly 40 landowners to install 200 Hen Houses. This will allow a good relationship between all groups who are a part of this effort.

Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife

Research conducted in the prairies found that mallards make up 95% of the ducks using Hen Houses. It is speculated that philopatry (homing) by adult females and their female offspring contributes to increase structure usage rates over time. Usage rates will typically start at 20-40% in the first year and level out at 80% occupancy, with an average nest success of 80%. We would expect an average of 160 of the Hen Houses to be used by year three, with 80% hatching, resulting in an estimated total of 128 hatched mallard nests per year. Based on work completed in Manitoba, we would also expect an increased survival of female mallards over the ten-year period as well.

Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management

The goal of the waterfowl management community is to restore duck populations to the levels of the 1970s. Hen Houses are arguably one of the most cost effective tools we have to enhance duck production on the Canadian prairie. Delta believes that the use of Hen Houses to date has been low and there is a good opportunity to expand the use and the communications of this tool across Canada. From a management perspective, it has been estimated that it takes 3 Hen Houses to produce 1 incremental hatched nest. This is by far the cheapest way to enhance mallard productivity. As stated before, habitat restoration and retention are important practices, but we feel that we should also invest some of our resources to cost effective tools that produce ducks.

Project Location

One or two Hen Houses will typically be placed in semi-permanent wetland basins that provide adequate brood rearing habitat (contains emergent vegetation). These wetland basins will range in size between 0.5 and 3 acres and will be placed 3-5 feet out from the vegetation-open water interface. The bottom of Hen Houses will sit a minimum of 2-3 feet above the water to deter swimming predators. The opening of Hen Houses will be faced perpendicular to prevailing winds.

The two super sites will be situated East and South East of Edmonton, where duck pair densities exceed 40 pairs per square mile. Hen Houses will be placed mainly on private land with landowner consent and accessibility to hunters.

Project Contact

For more information on this project, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Field Program Coordinator, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Winnipeg, Manitoba.