Where to whelp?

[Patterdale]

Sheepdog puppies due on 12th June
Couldn't see how many on the scan but looks like she's definitely got something in there!

So I thought I might get to work on making her somewhere to have them, so she can get used to sleeping there. I've never bred puppies before so it's a bit if a learning curve but I'm trying to get it right

She currently sleeps in a large kennel with 1 other sheepdog and my terrier. The kennel they're in isn't really suitable for pups so she'll need to move.
These are my options-

1. Puppy proof a large pen in the sheep shed (the pens are approx 16x24). The bitch would be able to jump in and out and they'd be bedded on straw. But do I want the bitch to be able to get out?

2. Make a pen in another small shed. It wouldn't be as big or well ventilated but would still be around 10x10. Straw or shavings bed, not sure which is best?

3. Puppy proof the cattle pens. Well ventilated, and would be a huge area about the length of an indoor school but half as wide. Is this too big?

Which sounds best? And any more tips? I'm also going to make them a big pen to go out in the field when they're a bit bigger.

Please be kind, everyone has to have a first time breeding

 

[MurphysMinder]

Small is better , particularly in the early days. I know farm dogs are different but I would always use somewhere where a heat lamp or pad can be used if we get a typical British summer! I recommend you get a copy of Kay whites Book of the Bitch. It is the bible of most breeders.

 

[Dizzykizzy]

I agree smaller is better at first, it will be lovely for them to have more space as they get more mobile. We made a whelping bed out of an old wardrobe and put "pig rails" around the sides so the pups had somewhere to avoid mum lying on them (yes they do!). I agree you may need a heat lamp or heat pad, ours were born in June but they all loved the heat pad.
Good luck, it is very hard work but we loved every minute of our pups and 5 years later still in touch with nearly all of them!

 

[Llanali]

I have replied in the soapbox, but I would go for a paddling pool
With inflated sides inside te cattle pen, which I think is a bit large for tiny young pups

 

[EAST KENT]

collies are very natural whelpers,a paddling pool filled with hay or straw so she can make a deep nest would be great.It needs to be private and very draft free ,privacy is essential for her to get down to the job of mothering her babies.Alternately make a square using bales ,tying the strings so they don`t drift apart and fill this with straw for a nest.

 

[Patterdale]

Thanks v much!

I'd never have thought of a paddling pool!

Going to get started on it this week. Slight miscalculation - she's due on the 22nd so that gives me a bit more time.

Thanks everyone

 

[Alec Swan]

A paddling pool? Never thought of that one, but not such a bad idea!! As others have rightly said, smaller is best.

Failing the paddling pool, I've had a bitch behind two bales of straw in a corner of a stable (so that it forms a square, if you see what I mean), she can hop in and out at will, and when the puppies start to wander about, at sort of 3 weeks plus, then you can remove one, or even both of the bales.

One important point for you, I'd get your bitch accustomed to her new kennel as soon as possible. As a maiden bitch, she doesn't want a change of environment at the last minute. If you use straw bales, then you could leave the front open for a few days so that she becomes accustomed to her bed.

I'd be a little wary of hay or straw with new-born pups, as the bitch may well be attentive and constantly cleaning them, and if she ingests hay or straw, then she may strain to empty herself, and that would make life uncomfortable for her. Plenty of newspaper is the trick, I suspect. Mind you, plenty of pups have been born on a bed of straw, so perhaps it doesn't matter.

Good luck, she'll most probably manage very well on her own, and let us know what turns up!

Alec.