Whelping boxes - Page 1

We use 2x4 carpet runners from walmart, they have a thick plastic backing and the loops and sell for about $10.  We have found them to be better than newspaper,they wick away urine, and give the puppies gripping ability while nursing helping to protect those hips.  When it's cleaning time, just rotate with new ones, and then just with a hose, bucket (with bleach and mild detergent) pore onto rugs in drive way let them soak, rinse and hang up on a fence to dry.  After they are clean and dry, vacuum any fur off and you are ready for the next day.

They smell clean and are disinfected for the next rotation.  Both of our females have tried to dig, but the thick rubber backing makes is hard to do.   By the way the carpet is softer on mom and puppies too.

This system has worked for 4 litters now.

We put these runner in our dogs crates and even in the house were our retired female sleeps in front of the couch at night. No more fur covered blankets to muck up the washer. 

Best of luck

Susan

I use rubber backed rugs as well but I use the washable type that goes into the washing machine.  The thick loops and size of them discourages the digging and because of the weight of them the pups can't push them as they scoot around  and is much warmer and softer for the puppies.  I place thick newspaper underneath so just in case something comes up or apart it is there as a fail safe. Plus it is much more comfortable for me when I want to get in and do some snuggling with mom and the pups!:)  Who can resist that?:)

  I buy only WHITE rugs ( Bleachable)  and it takes 2 to cover the bottom of my wooden whelping box.    The WHITE color also allows you to quickly to a HEAD COUNT  on dark colored pups to make sure no one is under mom or scooted away getting cold.  Changing the bedding is quick and easy, not the task that newspaper is. They are around $10 -$15  each and have lasted through four  litters with no problems  (I do hang to dry as the dryer breaks down the rubber backing more quickly).  If your washing machine holds a queen size quilt you'll have no problem fitting both rugs in at once to wash.  I have several sets and rotate them throughout the 24 hour period.  Taking something out to the drive to scrub and wash and hang sounds like too much work and impractical during rainy/snowy days  for me but I'm glad it works for you. 

I use the interlocking soft foam pads sold at Sams Club.  I put a few layers of news papers down first, then the foam pad goes on top.  The panels interlock so even if the mother tries to nest they stay secure.  Footing is secure for the pups and the foam is soft for them to lay on.  A set of two which will fit a whelping box 4x4 is about $18.00.  I just take them out, hose them off with bleach and water and they are dry in about 10 minutes. 

our setup

we have provided our girls with everything possible it cost a small fortune but they are comfortable clean and spoilt rotten

and that makes me happy

the mom has a disposable whelping box for 2-3 weeks bedding is changed 3 times a day after 3 wks the pen is extended to 4 meters not including the outdoor run and we try to encourage pups to use training pads to pee on most of our pups are toilet trained by 8 weeks!

we invest all the profit back into the dogs.