Omar Khalid
Building a plastic whelping box is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a whelping crate. A plastic whelping box is lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and inexpensive. It is also ideal for puppies as it provides a safe surface for them to move around on and access their mother. The size of the whelping box will depend on the size of the dog, with larger dogs requiring a bigger space to comfortably lay and nurse their puppies. The construction of a plastic whelping box typically involves cutting and assembling plastic sheets or using plastic tubs or pools, with the addition of features like pig rails and mats to enhance functionality.
Characteristics and Values of a Plastic Whelping Box
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic (corrugated, PVC, or composite), wood, plywood, MDF, or metal |
| Shape | Round or rectangular with no corners to prevent puppies from getting stranded |
| Size | Large enough for the mother to lay comfortably, but not too large for puppies to spread out. Common sizes include 3' diameter for mini dogs, 4' x 4' x 4', and 42" diameter x 56" tall |
| Height | Cut to the desired height, typically ranging from 11" to 22" to allow the mother to get out easily |
| Flooring | Washable incontinence pads, EZ Whelp Pads, interlocking mats, or vinyl flooring for traction and insulation |
| Pig Rail | Made of PVC pipe or plastic/wood composite deck board, placed 3"-4" above the floor to prevent the mother from smothering the puppies |
| Door | Sliding door made of H channel, with a height that contains the pups as they grow older |
| Disinfecting | Easy to clean and disinfect, some use newspapers or pads to absorb urine |
| Lighting | Brightness is important to minimize shadows and darkened corners, some use a lightbulb or heat lamp |
| Cost | Inexpensive, can be made from inexpensive materials or purchased for $50-$100 |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic tub
When choosing the right plastic tub for your whelping box, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the tub is important. You'll want to make sure the tub is large enough to accommodate the mother dog comfortably, with enough space for her to turn around and lie down. The tub should also have enough room for the expected litter size, allowing the puppies to move around and access their mother easily.
The shape of the tub is also a factor. Round or oval tubs are often preferred over square or rectangular ones as they eliminate corners, ensuring that no puppy gets stuck in a corner, unable to reach their mother. A round tub also means all puppies are equidistant to their mother's body heat and mammary glands. Additionally, look for a tub with smooth, curved edges to prevent injuries.
The material of the tub is crucial. Choose a tub made of durable, lightweight plastic that is easy to clean and maintain. Avoid using tubs that have been used to store chemicals as they can be harmful to the puppies. Opt for a tub that is specifically designed for animal care or one that has only held water, ensuring it is safe for the puppies to breathe around.
When selecting a tub, consider adding a pig rail, which is a barrier that prevents the mother from accidentally smothering her puppies against the side of the tub. You'll need to measure the diameter of the tub to create an appropriately sized pig rail. Also, consider the height of the tub; it should be cut at an angle, with one side lower to allow the mother to get in and out easily.
Finally, consider the cost and availability of the tub. You may be able to find used plastic tubs or tanks on sites like Craigslist or at local manufacturers for a more affordable price. Keep in mind any additional costs for materials like mats, rails, or other accessories to complete your whelping box.
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Cutting the plastic
The first step in building a plastic whelping box is to cut the plastic to your desired size and shape. The tools and methods you use to cut the plastic will depend on the type and thickness of the plastic you are using.
If you are using a thin plastic sheet, you can use scissors or a craft knife to cut out your shape. First, lay your sheet of corrugated plastic flat and, using a crayon, measure and mark out your rectangle. Carefully cut out the rectangle with scissors, then cut out the four corner boxes with a utility knife. Score the first layer of corrugated plastic along the inner lines of your rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
For thicker plastics, you may need to use power tools, such as a circular saw. Secure the plastic to a sturdy work surface and use the saw to cut through the material. If you are cutting a very thick piece of plastic, you may need to use a laser cutter or a CNC router, which can be found at plastics factories or local laser cutting services.
Another method for cutting harder plastics is to use sewing thread. Secure the plastic to a firm surface, then wrap a long line of strong thread around each hand. Wrap the thread around the section you want to cut and pull it back and forth in rapid, short movements. The friction from the thread will heat the plastic and cause it to snap.
Always take the proper safety precautions when cutting plastic and work slowly and carefully.
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Adding a pig rail
Pig rails, also known as puppy rails, are an essential addition to a whelping box to ensure the safety of the puppies. They prevent the mother from rolling over and accidentally crushing or smothering her puppies. The pig rail allows the mother to rest against the centre of the box, while the puppies can duck under the rail to stay out of the way.
To add a pig rail to your plastic whelping box, you can use PVC pipes. First, measure the diameter of your whelping box and cut 12 pieces of PVC pipe with 15-degree angle cuts on each end to create 30-degree angles between the pipes. The length of the pipes will depend on the diameter of your box. For instance, if your box is 42" in diameter, you may need to account for indentations that require the ring to be slightly smaller. You can use a story stick to determine the ideal diameter for the rail.
The height of the pig rail should be high enough for the puppies to fit underneath. The recommended width of the rail is 3 1/2", which provides sufficient space for the puppies to move in and out. You can use a plastic and wood composite deck board for the rail, as it is resistant to moisture and odours. Alternatively, you can use a PVC pipe, which is durable and easy to clean.
When the puppies are of sufficient size and strength, the pig rail can be removed to increase the internal space of the whelping box.
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Attaching velcro
Attaching the velcro is a simple process, but it is important to be careful and precise. First, lay your sheet of corrugated plastic flat and, using a crayon, measure and mark a 38"x44" rectangle. Then, measure another line 4" inside the outer line of your rectangle on all four sides. You should now have two rectangles, one inside the other, with small boxes in each corner. Cut out the larger, outer rectangle, and then cut out all four boxes in the corners.
Now, carefully score the first layer of corrugated plastic along the inner lines of your rectangle with a utility knife and a straight edge. It is important that you do not cut all the way through the plastic—you want the outer layer to remain intact. Once you have scored the plastic, take your velcro and attach the male and female sides together. Peel off the backing from the remaining velcro pieces and press them firmly in place. Allow the adhesive to set for 24 hours.
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Using a mat for insulation
A plastic whelping box can be built using a large plastic water tank. After cutting the tank bottom off at the desired height, you can add a mat to provide insulation and better traction for the pups.
When constructing a whelping box, adding a mat can serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides a layer of insulation for the puppies, helping them maintain their body heat, especially during the first few critical days. This is essential for their well-being and a healthy start. Secondly, a mat offers better traction for the puppies, making it easier for them to move around and reach their mother.
When choosing a mat for your whelping box, opt for one that is soft, comfortable, and waterproof. Vinyl flooring or a vinyl table cloth can be used as a cost-effective option. You can also purchase specialised whelping mats, such as the Vet Fleece whelping pad, which is highly absorbent. These mats are designed to be durable and maintain their shape even after multiple washes.
To ensure a proper fit, measure the diameter of your whelping box and cut the mat accordingly. For example, if your whelping box has a diameter of 42", cut the mat in a circle of the same size. This ensures that the mat covers the entire floor of the whelping box, providing consistent insulation and traction for the puppies.
By adding a mat to your plastic whelping box, you not only enhance the comfort and warmth for the puppies but also make it easier for them to navigate their space and access their mother's milk. This simple addition can significantly improve the overall experience for both the mother and her litter.
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Frequently asked questions
A whelping box is a birthing box for dogs.
You can build a plastic whelping box using a large plastic water tank, kiddie pool, or Rubbermaid watering trough. You will also need a mat, incontinence pads, or vet fleece to line the bottom of the box. Additionally, you may want to install a pig rail made of PVC pipe or a plastic and wood composite deck board to prevent the mother dog from smothering the puppies.
The size of the whelping box will depend on the size of the dog. For a mini-sized dog, a 3' diameter kiddie pool can be used. For larger dogs, a 4' x 4' x 4' box or a 46" diameter kiddie pool may be more appropriate.
To assemble a plastic whelping box, first cut the tank, kiddie pool, or trough to the desired height. If using a kiddie pool, you can install a pig rail made of a pool noodle or PVC pipe to protect the puppies. Cut a door to allow the mother dog to enter and exit the box, and consider adding a mat or incontinence pads to provide traction and insulation.
Plastic whelping boxes are easy to clean and provide a safe and comfortable space for the mother dog to give birth and nurse her puppies. The smooth plastic surface makes it difficult for the puppies to climb out, and the bright colour of some plastic boxes can add brightness to the space.
