Whelping box for a Labrador

[Stacey]

I know there are lots of plans for whelping pens on the internet they all vary in design and requirements, but I was hoping for some advice about the correct/minimum size for a Labrador. She is due her pups on the 28th although she may be early, it's going to be her first litter.

Does anyone have some plans for a whelping box that I could use please? building it is no problem it's more the dimensions that I'm really unsure about.

Thanks
Stacey

 

[stalker.308]

As a rule of thumb, slightly longer than they can lie down, i.e. if they are on their side then nose to just after base of tail. I then square that measurement. If you are putting roll bars in that obviously must be in addition to that measurement.

 

[Stacey]

Thanks for your reply, I was going to put the rail on the inside. How far out from the side of the box should the rail go?
what height should I make the whelping box?

thanks
stacey

 

[norma 308]

There is a pallet storage bin for sale in classifieds (others) perfect with a bit of cutting and washable mate used one perfect
2nd page .
cheers Norma

 

[Stacey]

Thanks norma, that looks ideal unfortunately it would cost a fortune to ship it or in fuel to collect it.

stacey

 

[unlacedgecko]

The tank of an IBC cut in half is perfect size for a lab. Roll bars can be made from 40mm drainage pipe. I recently made 2 for £60 in total. The whole thing is water proof and very easy to wash out/disinfect. I'll put photos up when I get home.

 

[daven]

if you aren't worried about weather but just a place of her own, the collapsable sides for europallets are perfect and can be folded/stored later. Add a pallet underneath and, with your blankets/rags, moisture won't be a problem. Think you can even get PVC euro size pallets.

 

[rooster]

I have used a kids inflatable pool for 2 litters, works a treat.

 

[Stacey]

Thanks for all the advice, started to build one today as the size of the shed is quite awkward, will try to post a pic of my woodwork once it's finished .
This is probably a daft question but I've been told so many variations. Megs due date is the 28th June, how early can she be? (my uncle who owns, trains and breeds greyhounds said she won't be more than 2 days either side of her due date, but one of my pickers up said she could be a week early/ late)

thanks
stacey

 

[daven]

just relax.... she'll have them when she has them... and probably with a lot less stress on her and everybody else if you let her be.... Easier said than done I know..... but it sounds good.....

 

[stalker.308]

Yes they can be early, depends at what stage in the cycle they were potentially covered. A pretty good way to 'know' is to take the bitches temperature regularly around due date, again, as a rule of thumb her temperature will go down a full degree indicating she will have them in the next 24 hours.

 

[Hunterjohnb]

Keep an eye on your bitch. When she begins to start nesting (wheeling around in her box) she will not be far off birthing.She will be best left in peace and quiet, with an occasional look. She will also go off her food. No harm to notify your vet as it is her first litter.Hope all goes well for you.

 

[Stacey]

Thanks for all the help, I've just noticed that she has got milk on her now so fingers crossed she won't be too early.
Thanks again
Stacey

 

[Stacey]

Got the whelping box finished yesterday, all ready with the bedding for her and a heat lamp.
I think I done an alright job? It's quite sturdy so should be ok.

Stacey

 

[Stacey]

Woke up this morning at 3am to find Meg had 2 pups, I sat up with her all night and day and she ended up with 11 golden and fox red lab pups. 6 dogs and 5 bitches!!!
She is doing a quite a good job considering it's her first litter. The dog pups look as if they could be quite chunky but they've all had a good feed now they are finally asleep

stacey

 

[Stacey]

I stand corrected, at 11pm there were another 2 pups!! So there are now 7 dogs and 6 bitches

 

[stalker.308]

Thats a large litter, well done. Just make sure she has finished, as with a large litter like that the uterus does get tired and there can be one left, as you found with those other two!

 

[Flyer4u0]

Hi Stacey. Are they from working stock. If so are you selling them.
thks Norm

 

[Stacey]

Thanks, I've been sitting with her keeping the pups topped up with milk. I've given her a jag of oxytocin as she was quite distressed and has started to cleanse.
yeah they will all be for sale and both parents are working stock (the sire is Tams (amanda16) yellow lab) I'll get some better photos next week and put a listing up in the for sale section, dogs will be £350 and bitches £400

stacey

 

[Stacey]

Well all 13 pups are doing well. The only thing that 'Meg' will eat is raw mince so the butcher is keeping her well supplied.
apologies about the photo I'm not sure why it loaded upside down

stacey