Yeah those small ones get sneaky. Had a 4-tonner on a lawn job, slight grade near a ditch. Track hit a soft patch and it just started to walk sideways. Felt like slow motion but your heart jumps into your throat. Never trust a gentle slope after that.

That pool noodle trick is GENIUS for the nesting boxes. Could even slice them lengthwise to make a little lip. The aquarium heater is solid, but wrapping the bucket in an old towel or some bubble wrap really boosts it. Makes that little heater work less hard.