While we are talking whelping boxes and I'm thinking about my design do you think it would be better with an open top or covered as it is more cave like?

I prefer open, easier to keep an eye on mum and pups

open top but we placed cardboard over the top to provide cover once pups here

have you made it i had an open one so could keep an eye on them

I always use an open topped welping box with pig rails.
I like to be able to keep an eye on them,That way you can pick up much quicker if anyone isnt sucking or is getting pushed out

Yes I have made it open top, she is refusing to go in at present. I have kicked one of the kids out of their room and put it in there but may put it in my room for the actual whelping and then move them into the spare bedroom afterwards.

Pvcu flat packed whelping box easy to install and made to measure you tell us the size you want and we will make it to your requirements! See the picture for the quality....This is a solid whelping box that is easily fixed together by using a rubber mallet and it will hold any dog size without bending the PVCu materials!!!!! you will be supplied with a pig rail and a hollow square pole which can be inserted into any of the corners of the box to hang the heat lamp if required (Leading brands do not supply this option) Our prices will not be beaten and we only use the highest quality pvc products. Call or email for anymore information you may require. Currently taking new orders for the New Year. We deliver all over the UK and collection is also welcome

I have seen many whelping boxes - but never had the need for one myself - some of the home made ones I have seen have been really pratical - imo an important thing to remember in the pig rails - as a friend of mine reacently lost a pup due to the mother rolling on it.
regards
DT

I have a wooden one cot painted and safe varnish which i revarnish lightly and renew inner with every new litter.I tryed the cardboard one once and the stains of the birth will not all remove and I didn`t like it.I keep puppies in it until weaning completed or they start escaping and then the are brought downstairs into my end kitchen and they have freedom of all kitchen area with a airport cage (which they love as it like a cave to them and cozy)to sleep in.I keep them there for a few days until tiolet training is getting there and then they have freedom and fun with the family running into kitchen to where they go to toilet.