Quote:
Originally Posted by TaylorWoods  Sound like I have lots to look forward to! spinning and barking at 5:30am is fine for me though because im up at 5am every morning  My dogs usually go for their morning stroll at that time! and if im late im in BIG trouble!
With regards to whelping boxes, i find every breeder has a different idea. Is the full scale box with pig rails the best way to go? My fiances father said he will help build one because he has good carpentray skills. Then I see other people who just use a kennel or a box high enough to let mommy come and go and keep puppies in. But I want to do this right - I have the time! I was thinking about building a wooden box with good proper floowing for warmth just without the pig rails. Is this safe or do they need the rails?? The lady that bred my female just left them in a kennel outside (yes outside!) which was fenced and mommy could get in and out. I was very shocked with that though! When i got my puppy she had a big grey tick on her neck  then nearly died the same night so im not willing to make even the slightest mistake here. Yet her daughter in law who bred my male had them in a wooden Wendy House outside, especially built for her dogs wiht litters with heating and proper care which is why I have stuck with her because I believe she is as particular as I aim to be. But she doesnt use a box as such because her room is specially built to house the mother and the puppies safely. Mine however will be inside our house so I need the right thing!
I really do wish I had the time and freedom and assistance to find a mentor like yours Mardelin! You are very privelegded  That's the kind of thing I dream of! |
The pig rail whelping box is very unnecessary for toy breeds, at least in my opinion. Your main concern is keeping them in a quiet, warm, draft free enviornment. Away from the normal hustle and bustle of family.
A whelping box is usually put inside another confinement such as a puppy play pen and some use x-pens. I prefer keeping them off the floor as cold air drops. I use to use a puppy playpen. Lined the grated floor with newspapers (to keep draft from rising underneat), on top of the newspaper I use interlocking excesise squares (rubber type tiles) for sure footing for mom and pups when they begin venturing out of the whelping box. On top of the rubber tiles I lined the entire area with piddle pads. Then added the whelping box. The box I use is plastic, completely lined with lambs wool and I add washable crate pads that are made of warm cozy material. I've also added velcro to the bottoms of the crate pads so they stay in place (safer for the pups). Also added around the play pen a cover to keep drafts out and anyone from looking in (some moms are very protective of anyone looking at their pups).
What I use now is a baby crib, removed the mattress, added plywood to the bottom and completely lined it with plexiglass and afixed it to the crib. Then lined the bottom with pish pads...and inserted a whelping box. Draft free and sanitary...very easy clean up.