From what I've experienced mounting them to the side of the tree, I've not come across a dead hen or dead chicks, i.e., no signs of drama or trama. Coons don't seem to want to swim out and climb, nor snakes for whatever reason. On land I would not put one up without a predator guard.

Plastic or wood mounted seems to not make any difference. On my cypress boxes I take a large headed screw and just drill thru the back of the box into the tree.

[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]


[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]

Last edited by Stressless; 12/31/22 03:40 PM.
8 Ponds in Mid-East Ohio, three streams that merge to 1.

Fishbowl Pond - 1.5 acre, family swimming hole, 22'
Figure 8 Pond - 1.25 acre, 12'
Crescent Pond - 2 acre 11'