Click on the photos to enlarge.
My husband Jim has built me a couple of these whelping boxes and I have had numerous people ask me how we do it. I thought I would
share the instructions for those who are interested.
This box is made from 1/4 inch plywood, and 1"x1" strapping or nailer strips, it is fairly lightweight, but strong. The size is 30" x30" x
12'' tall.
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You will need to purchase a 4'x8' piece of 1/4 inch plywood, good one side from your local
lumber store. Lowe's, Home Depot or Rona are usually very good about cutting it to your
specific dimension for a minimal charge.
The drawing below is the one that I take with me and they cut it while I wait. You may
copy it.
You will also need about 15 feet of 1x1 strapping or nailer strips, a 24" piano hinge, some
3/4" wood screws, a bottle of wood glue and 2 hooks & eyes.
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Jim starts with the bottom, and puts the nailer strips as illustrated below, securing it with wood screws and wood glue.
We turn it bottom side up to reinforce it with the wood screws.
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The nailer strips also go up the 4 corners for strength. Glued on the inside and screwed from the outside (see below)
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For the front we use a piano hinge, so that mom can easily step over, and she can see where her babies are.
As the puppies grow, and learn to climb out of the box, we put the front up. It can be secured with eye hooks on either side.
We paint it well in advance of use (at least 30 days) with a latex paint.
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As the puppies grow the front of the box can be put up, so puppies can't climb out, but mom is still able to hop in and out as she chooses.
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The finished box above and below.
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We whelp our puppies in our bedroom, so the box is painted to match <grin>
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