I made this one with a few modifications of my own: http://www.mcemn.com/WB-WhelpingBox.html

Thank you for your response. I will look into it. Anyone else with any ideas or thoughts to share?

My box is wood with about 10 coats of paint on it and I've been looking into building a new one too. My (architect) brother suggested using Azek board. Believe it is a solid PVC product. My box is 4'x6' with the ability to drop in a board to make it 4x4 while the pig rail is in it. One of the 4' sides has a hinged drop down so the mama can get in. The corners have two 4" hinges on the outside so when I take it down, I just have to pop the hinge pins, take it apart, and everything stores flat. I have pictures of it and its components if you would like me to share them with you. Just put a note in the subject line so I can grab it out of my spam filter!

Before you spend that kind of money on a Jonart, consider checking out "little heartbeats whelping boxes". They're made by a collie breeder in Georgia and are finished very nicely. You can find them if you google little heartbeats whelping boxes. I just bought one for about 1/3 the price you mention for a Jonart.

The Little Heartbeats box has a number of options. They can be ordered with the 2ft extention and/or a floor. I opted to set mine on a sheet of linoleum and it's working out wonderfully. It's all melemine so it wipes down easily and goes together quickly. The side rails can be ordered in different heights, I have 4" and a 6" in case I want to add a foam pad for swimmers. I added handles on 2 opposite sides to help lift it up and tuck bedding under the edges.

I used a 4x4 gray whelping fleece over a 4x4 "poochpad" from Revival until it was time to add the 2ft extension with potty box. I have 2 sets of the poochpad and fleece. One in the one in the box and one in the wash and they dry quickly. It's been a great set up. WEll worth the investment

Saw these at Potomac and really liked them. No screws, all fit together, easy to clean. Pricey...but I think it's on my list for when my Durawhelp gives out. I really liked it. 4 pieces plus the door and pig rails. Probably still as heavy as a wood box. If I wait for my husband to make mine....I'd be waiting forever. His project list is too long!

http://www.lakesideproducts.com/Whelping-Box-MagnaBox/Whelping-Box-MagnaBox-X-Large-p41.html

Sue Puff

Seriously???

I have 2 Jonart boxes for our girls. These bitches get bred, carry a litter, and take care of these pups for up to 6 or 7 weeks for us. And you think they don’t deserve a $1,000 + whelping box when you are selling “their” puppies for $1,200 to $2,000 each???? I challenge anyone not to look at it from their perspective. These girls deserve a top of the line whelping box. At the cost of 1 puppy, every brood bitch should have a Jonart box.

We have had our Jonart boxes for over 10 years. They are well worth the money for “our” girls.

All you human mothers out there… Should you have raised your children in a barn with no doors?

Sticking up for the girls…. Just Sayin!

Michael

With all due respect...do you own stock in Jonart? Spending more does not necessarily translate into better and I think that my VET will certainly vouch for the fact that when it comes to my dogs, I don't skimp on their well being.

I found the little heartbeats box set up met all of the requirements of a good whelping box. Most importantly it's made out a material that sanitizes easily, has enough space for mom and high enough sides to keep my current 7 week old litter still in it, provides a safe spot for pups to get under a rail, has an door that's easy for Mom to get in and out of yet closes when pups get big enough to climb out. And it will store easily in between the single litter I may or may not have in a given year.

When I looked at various whelping box options I didn't see anything that your 1,000 Jonart offers that this doesn't but I know mine sure beats a swimming pool or a corregated durawhelp!

rld -

If you would like to identify yourself I will be more than happy to offer the benefits of the Jonart Box.

However, I was referring to those who cannot justify the $$$. I never said spending more was better.

Signed with my real name - Michael

4 x 8 corrugated plastic sheets - 6 to 8 mm

they make the best 4 x 4 box with 2 foot sides.
come in many colors, light weight entire box can be picked up with one hand.
constructed with a box blade and duct tape ( you can color coordinate if you want)

easy to clean, easy to dismantle flat for storage and when needed buy more sheets.

total cost of each box.....$50!! My girls don't seem to mind that I am not spending $1000 on frame.