Size Of Whelping Box?

Just wondering if anyone could give me an idea of a good size for a whelping box. We have limited space in the kitchen due to the massive dining room table and the sofa. Not mentioning all the other crap strewn about the place!

Anyway I was thinking of a 3ft square one, this would more than likely fit in the space I have in mind, but the question is, would it be big enough for an English Springer and her litter?

Any suggestions/thoughts welcome.

Ta muchly.

Is that beautiful girlie having babes??? I would think 3ft square would be fine. Best of luck.

They're just a twinkle in her eye at the moment, but I sincerely hope so!

Thanks for the thought BD, was going to get my Dad to make the whelping box considering they'll be getting a pup for nowt, but then I thought it'd probably be a lot less stressful just to buy one.

Let dad make one!! Im sure she will make a lovely mother, she is a quality Springer with working qualities aswell, what more could you want, and I know you will have done all the health tests before mating her, just the sort of breeder people should be looking for, I wish you all the luck in the world with them.

Many thanks, of course I agree! The Sire is a cracker too, used regularly on shoots and awarded his first CC at 9 years old. There's a chance he may be infertile at 10 years old, but I'm willing to take that chance.

Anyway, will shut up now, I appear to have hijacked my own thread!

Our whelping box is roughly 4' x 3'...for our FCR's. You might find that 3' x 3' might be a little small esp if you are going to have pig rails. Making a box should be fairly easy to do, but don't forget to varnish well so that it can be easily disinfected.

Thanks for that, will keep it mind.

I would say if your making a box, a rail is a must

Oh definitely, would have a whelping box without rails!

What size is yours Shona?

Hi Rips I would say for a Springer 3'x4' would be about right.
I like wooden whelping boxes with a hinged drop down side which can be dropped when the puppies start to walk. The drop down side has dowelling ridges like little steps so the puppies can get a grip. I personally don't like pig rails and have never use them.