Whelping

[jbdragon17]

I worked on my whelping box this weekend. Have it completed with the exception of pig rails. What have you used for pig rails? I was thinking 1x2's, but not sure...suggestions? I also need to decide what to use for bedding. Any suggestions on that?

[setterguy]

I just used 1" dowels for the rail, cheap and easy. As for the bedding, I would use something you don't mind throwing away. Have any old Packer jerseys?

[Ole54868]

What I used for bedding was some old sheets and just get enough that you can change them everyday without having to wash them everyday. I used 2 sheets at a time and have enough for a week and changed them every morning.

As far as rail it really doesn't matter what you use just something to keep mom from laying on them.

Have you delivered a litter before? If you need some suggestions on what you might want to have around just email me. Good luck with the pup's.

[jbdragon17]

What about the heat source?... Planning to have the box in a basement room with a heat lamp and a floor heater in the room. I know I need to keep temps around 85 for the first couple weeks.

[jbdragon17]

I dont have any old packer jersey's. I could cerainly use any some may be willing to donate

As far as using the wood dowels...Did they get very messy? I have read that pvc is the way to go for ease of cleaning.

You going to take a look at the pups when they get here setterguy? A REAL setterguy would have a red and a white one ...lol

[uplander]

I agree....and setterguy is due for a new setter.....not that the old was is done....it's just time to reload....think about it when that new pup hits its prime your son will be starting to hunt.....nothing goes together like kids and puppies........cept foil and fillings....can't wait to see those red pups!!!!!!!!

[trailratedtj]

just wondering...what are the rails for. ive never done any homework on whelping boxes.

[Bobby Bass]

The pig rails are around the base of the box elevated a few inches. This helps keeping a pup from being crushed or smothered between mom and the sides of the box. I like the plastic ones to, easier to keep clean. We have used old sheets for bedding and just washed them every other day. During the first month or so ma does a pretty good job of cleaning up after her pups. After that we go to a bedding of either straw or woodchips.

[dogs]

I use 1x4s gave them a little more room. Get some old thin blankets if you can. Also the pups like the heat pad you can buy and put under bedding. If you get a chance put a live pigeon or other birds buy them when they are young. Amazing to see their little nose twitch and they wine but they are only a few days old. Like the first time they hear a birds wings flap at 5-6 weeks they all spin around, they have no idea what it is, but they know its good.

Good luck

[setterguy]

As long as my new red dog lives in Ramsey with one of you two I'm all for it.

[uplander]

If you can talk my wife into that I'll go with it...........good luck! I should just get a kennel liscense and house 5-10 dogs at all times and rent them out to guys that have partners that won't let them have more than one dog........but then I'ld probably be single.....there's a thought! lol