Whelping Boxes - Page 1

Good day everyone,
I know using one of the small kiddy pools is commonly used as a whelping box what are some other substitutions that are inexpensive but still as effective? I ask because none of the stores are selling these pools as they are sold seasonally. Thanks

Husband built ours.

I would never use a kiddie pool - they are too slippery, too cold, and the rounded edges makes them very dangerous for puppies being smothered behind the mother or stepped on. 

whelping boxes are easy to make - or get a handi-man to make one for you like I did.  Mine is wood 4 X 4, no bottom but I put another piece of 4 X 4 board underneath that can be cleaned easily (smooth false finish).   It has "pig rails" installed so pups can go underneath and mom can't - so if a pup gets behind the mom it may be stuck but it won't be dead.  The sides are 2' tall and one side has a rounded piece out for mom to get in/out.  I use blankets and towels as bedding that can be changed and washed easily and keeps pups warm and dry.  A small heater in the room keeps everything toasty warm.

I agree with Molly, can't believe I said that..lol
Except for the use of heaters.
That being said, mine are born outside, bedding is straw, leaves, and red cedars shavings I make myself.
My doghouse is on a mound and the bitch digs it out bowl shaped, this keeps pups together in the middle of the bowl.
Most cringe at the thought of dogs actually living out doors but my pups are strong and healthy, acclimated to climate and in the fresh air with sunlight.
If your floor is flat definitely use the side rails.

Moons.

I have used the pools, walmart or second hand fitted sheets, newspaper to soak up the  urine. I put newspaper into the pool (shredit) over it fitted sheet and done with it. I clean it at least twice a day. By three weeks the turds can climb out so I take it away and they are loose in a play pen, that one is a fortress since I had a puppy climb over the ones you can buy. This one is reinforced, and tall and heavy and I'll be darn if one of them gets out!

SKI can your husband build me one? please? LOL

Moons most of the puppies my father whelped were born in a straw in the nonheated shed. And they did just fine.

As for those pools my problems are,
they are slippery
the bitch more or less has to jump over the edge
pups can get out but can't get back in
they take up more space than a square

Boxes are easy to make from a single piece of plywood 4'x4'x whatever hieght you choose and using slip pin hinges in corners so they can be taken back apart, simply screw the bumper rails from the outside using 2-8' cut to fit 2x4's on edge 4" off the floor for the bumpers and drywall screws.
News paper is clean cheap and easy to make bedding out of disposable, no laundry.


Moons.

A picture of my whelping box built by my husband out of particle board, (it comes in width of 6' 4' and 2 foot ) it's painted to seal, it measures 4' x 5 ' the base is a fixture which is ok as I have plenty of storage area, sides are only  about 18", I figure that by the time the puppies can climb out they are ready to explore the environment any way. I do place a step near one side when they are climbing out to make it easier for them to get back inside. Inside I have a square of carpet covered by layers of newpaper and topped with blankets and towels. Depending on the time of year the heater can be on for a few days to 3 or 4 weeks.
This litter was only 2 puppies so when mum was away from them I would cordon off a small area for them and give them a hot water bottle.
A whelping box like this can be built in a couple of hours.

My husband built one similar to Moons and Molly. It all comes apart. The pig rails we made out of PVC pipes and it can be removed when pups are older, plus it stores separately. We covered the bottom board in linoleum for easy cleaning.

I use the Dura Whelp made by Breederbase.  I find it extremely convenient, easy to clean, affordable (when compared to your time plus the money to build your own if using all new materials from a hardware store).  They have several sizes to choose from and the box stores compactly for times when it is not in use. 

For my GSD's I use the large which is 48" x48" x20" and is priced at $199. I also buy the half door which is an additional $37.   The box is made of a heavy duty corrugated plastic and aside from chewing is quite durable.  By the time they can crawl out of this box, you should be done with a whelping box anyways.

 they offer several additional options such as heat lamps, pads, whelping pads and more to go with their boxes.

Here is the website for anyone interested.... http://www.breederbase.com/

try craigslist, I got a really nice one someone built that looks almost identical to the one dogshome9 posted a picture of for $100