Whelping Boxes

Our Whelping Boxes are made from uPVC plastic, flat-pack for storage and transport, and take less than 10 minutes to put together. Whelping Boxes, sometimes called nesting boxes or whelping pens, are important to most whelps. They are usually modular in design, and allow for extension pens, as puppies grow and become mobile. Doors should have multiple heights, so that the dam can come and go as she pleases, while safely containing the puppies.

Pig rails, or crush rails, are removable bars that prevent the dam from accidentally lying on her puppies. Accidents can still happen with pig rails in place, as they don’t stop puppies burrowing under the dam.

Because desirable features include ease of cleaning and sanitation, plastic whelping boxes are typically preferred over wooden whelping boxes. Wood, especially unsealed wood, can harbour microorganisms for a long time. Cheap and disposable whelping boxes can be made from cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes for whitewoods are especially useful for this, along with broomsticks for pig rails.   

The base of the whelping box is usually lined with a waterproof membrane (tarp, linoleum, etc) covered with absorbent layers. Absorbent layers can be puppy pads, newspaper or old bedding. The top layer is usually a flat piece of vet bed or dry bed. Dry bed, or vet bed, is a soft synthetic material similar to sheepskin, that draws moisture down, so the top stays dry. It is also warm and insulating, and easy to clean.