Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2011 1:53 pm Post subject: Whelping crate/pen????
Our latest foster (1yr old collieXspan) is due to give birth in a little over 2wks. Di has already been amazing with help, but just wondered where I can get a resonablely priced whelping box?? Have been on the internet and am now totally confused. I think a reusable one will be best as I have no doubt this will only be the first (assuming all goes well!!)
We collected her from MT last Friday and had her scaned today. 7 maybe more pups due in 2 ish weeks
I really do think sometimes I need my head examined (and not for beasties as my late hubby would have said )
Help please which site to look on, dont need a top of the range one tho!!
Do you know, is there no back up for you from the rescue you are being amazingly generous and helpful to? I would hope they would maybe have a breeder or breeders on their staff who could lend you one to save you forking out?
I know some have used the cardboard ones but myself I would think a large litter would have them stinking of wee very quickly, and they would after a few weeks be tearing them about, but I could be wrong.
I wouldn't use a crate, I always think its Ok for toy breeds who have 2 or 3 pups but not for a bigger breed.
http://www.petnapwhelpingboxes.co.uk/ is a decent starting point. I rather think the charity might invest in a 4 foot x 4 foot box though for any future litters they have to deal with, maybe you could put that to them, they aren't hugely expensive and by far the easiest to clean....
Di
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The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
They do have a whelping box, but like the crates they lend to fosters, seem not to ever come back! MT did say there MIGHT be one returned in time but I dont want to be fretting about it not turning up!! Steph is adamant we WILL do it again, so I guess our own box makes sense!!
Do you have a colleague or relative or friend who is handy with a bit of Contiboard and a screwdriver? My old man has instructions laid out for a whelping box which is made in literally a couple of hours... happy to send them over....
But if you plan to do it again i'd search for a plastic 4ft x 4ft whelping box or near to it. But it will be about £120 or so I think.... have you tried ebay, always a good bet too...
I'd recommend the linkabord 1.4 whelping box, though the next size down might be all you have room for.
I have used mine a few times and turn it into a play pen when they are older by extending it with a metal puppy pen.
I am absolutely no help at all but I just wanted to wish you and Jill lots of luck with the girls' whelpings and I hope you'll both post lots of pictures of the pups.
This is Lorna back in April with her whelping box made with a great deal of love by her new Dad ! Mike used some left over wardrobe doors and a sheet of marine ply from DIY store so cost us about £18 plus his time. It was easy to keep clean as we put lino in the bottom and the sides were sort of laminated so very wipeable with disinfectant.
If you are planning on doing this again then do invest in one that you can take down and put back up when needed. Lorna's box was 48" x 48" and the sides were about 20" I think which proved invaluable in keeping naughty Collie pups where they needed to be whilst I cleaned up for a few more days at least ! Lorna's box was given to the Rescue she came from as they had a pregnant Rottie from the pound come in.
We also bought a second hand baby travel cot which I used for the first couple of weeks to keep them safe whilst I cleaned "their room". An old leaky doggy paddling pool served as a play pen outside for a few weeks too. You'll be surprised what comes in useful.
Good luck, looking forward to the piccies. You'll enjoy it I'm sure, but get plenty of sleep now !!!
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