Breeding 3: PREPARING FOR PUPPIES!~Heated Whelping Box~Supplements~Jasmine's Journey Ep. 3

STEP 3 OF BREEDING: During the Quiet Before The Storm period there's much to get done. We'll cover a heated whelping box, determine location and warmth, talk about favorite health food products for pregnant Momma's and more. Follow the entire process from the breeding, to whelping, to raising a litter to seven weeks at THE RETRIEVER NATION, Jasmine's Journey.
The Retriever Nation:
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Fido Vite Sportz Dog:
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Breeders Edge Oxy Mate Prenatal Formula:
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Breeder's Edge Oxy Momma:
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[@ann-mariehillings1873]

What are the dimensions of your whelping box? OMG I LOVE this series of videos. Thank you so much! I’m preparing for my first litter and am feeling much more confident because of you. ❤️

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Thank you! I'm glad these are helpful videos. Watching videos and taking notes was how I learned as well. ;) Our whelping box dimensions were 4'x4'. The side walls were 15" high. We kept a cut section to slide into the opening Momma uses because when the eyes open at 2 weeks and puppies start to move around and grow, they see that opening and get curious. By sliding in another 3"-4" section keeps them in and Momma can still manage getting in and out. Puppies outgrow the whelping box at about 3 weeks and need a larger space to run and play. I do need to say the most important part to the whelping box is the pig rail. So be sure to include that in yours. Since you are preparing for a litter I would also strongly recommend watching videos on emergency situations during whelping like gasping puppy, etc. Just search, you'll stumble upon many videos. Being educated will give you confidence in case anything happens. :)

[@ann-mariehillings1873]

@@TheRetrieverNation THANK YOU!! Yes, I will definitely include the pig rail. I’m going to mimic everything you guys did including the litter trays in the enlarged area once the whelping box is gone. This is all soooooo helpful. I can’t thank you enough! I have watched all of these videos over and over and will continue to do so until the puppies have gone to their new homes... and I have watched videos for emergency situations. You guys are amazing! ❤️

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Sounds like you are prepared and ready for puppies! I hope all goes well and you enjoy the stages as much as we did. Good luck!

[@hl5784]

This series of videos has helped me a lot, in only 2 weeks my dog will have her first litter and I am very nervous. I hope everything goes well and thanks to you I have already made her whelping box. Any advice to help my dog with her first litter?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Thank you! I become a bit nervous for each upcoming litter because I feel very responsible about the situation I've put my dog in. (I mean, it's not like she asked to get pregnant and have a litter), so I understand your feelings and I think being nervous is normal because you love your dog and want things to go well. One thing I would strongly recommend is watching videos on emergency situations that can arise whelping (for example a non breathing puppy/gasping puppy, etc). I watched and rewatched several videos. The more educated I became the better prepared I felt. Still a bit nervous, but prepared. My thoughts were, I got her into this situation, the least I can do is be prepared for anything that may come our way. You can do it! It's apparent you want to do the best, which shows your love 💘. Good luck! I'd love an update!

[@hl5784]

@@TheRetrieverNation Hi! Just to update you that Milka's babies have been born! We were expecting 7 puppies and 12 were born! I wanted to thank you again for the advice you gave as they were all born healthy and without complications.

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Wow! You've got your hands full! Very happy to hear they are all healthy. Thanks for the update. Enjoy your puppies, they will keep you quite busy these next couple months but it's worth it!

[@katsshibainus3258]

Do you have a video showing how you made the pvc rails!

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Unfortunately we do not. My husband bought PVC pipe and fittings at Home Depot and built it himself. Thanks for watching.

[@hollybc]

Is that a magic broom @6:10 ??

[@TheRetrieverNation]

I was WAITING for somebody to notice! Of course, it's my daughter. Good eye, Good eye! ;)

[@savanahduntley7941]

Can I ask how you did the heated center for the whelping box?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

We purchased it second hand. New ones can be found on Lion Country Supply. It's called a heated whelping nest. We cut a hole and attached it to the floor. It worked magnificently. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching!

[@alexandraraya5265]

Are heat lamps necessary for all newborns? What temperature should they be in when first born-a litter of pitbulls

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Thanks for the question. A source of heat is necessary, whether that be a heating lamp or heating basin like we used. It is very important to keep newborns warm. I think the first few days the temp is 85-90 and can decrease gradually during the first couple of weeks to a point around 3 weeks they won't need it (unless they are held in a place that is not heated, a garage for example). Their environment needs to be warm and dry. I have seen pet supply companies that sell large plug in heating pads specifically made for whelping that are different from the heating pads people use (they can get too hot). I've even used an old fashioned hot water bottle (bladder) -- when I need to clean the whelping box - I wrap one in a towel and set the puppies beside it to keep them cozy. Cold puppies risk death, so yes, a heat source is a very important consideration. Good luck!

[@ashae5867]

Hi, what are the corner fittings used? It's looks like T's, but I think I am see 4 openings. Thank you in advance.

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Actually, it is a "cross" fitting (4 openings) but I also screwed an end cap to the bottom so that I can insert a small extender on the bottom to raise the height for when the puppies get bigger if need be. Thanks for asking and I hope that helps!

[@lizdcruz]

Did you shave her belly?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

About 1 month prior to whelping, the Veterinarian shaved her belly so that they could do an Ultrasound to confirm that there was a viable pregnancy. It just makes the Ultrasound easier and "cleans up" the image. Thanks for watching!

[@melissalangford4115]

What is the round heating pad brand?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

www.lcsupply.com/products/custom-molding-heated-whelping-nest-for-puppies

[@TheRetrieverNation]

You can search for used ones. That's what we did. When people are done breeding they typically sell stuff for reasonable price. There are probably other options/similar products, this is just the one we stumbled upon for sale by owner for a fraction of the cost.

[@centercrossranch3709]

Love your organization. Do you by chance sell any binders with your forms?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

Thank you, but I don't have anything like that for sale.

[@centercrossranch3709]

Thank you very much for your response. We are expecting our first litter of pups and cannot tell you how helpful your channel as been! Thx so much for sharing you knowledge

[@KoldheartKj]

How much could I buy a whelping box for?

[@TheRetrieverNation]

They are expensive. Anywhere from $300-$1000. That is why many people make their own. Some people use toddler swimming pools.