Whelping box question

[Crimson Ghost]

Hello - I am building my pup a whelping box and have a question on the overhead heat lamp. I stopped in at Home Depot and picked up a 125 watt bulb and reflector. Will this offer enough heat? It will be approximately 3 1/2 - 4 feet above the pups.

[wrinkly]

Hello, is it a proper heat lamp, with a red bulb ??? im not sure what wattage mine is but its red and the lamp gives you two options of heat on it, as for distance mine has the cable and a chain, double security incase something gives and i just move the chain up and down to suit.

[sheplovr]

Yes, that will do. Red lamp in color for heat. I would not use one now it is nice in Pa.
By the end of month if cold, I have ceramic heaters i use it tipped they shut off.
I keep on a ledge so the pups nor mommy cannot get to touch or too close.
Also line the box with a two by four or so that is a pup gets back of mommy it is safe, she cannot smother it. The board lining is to protect the pups.

[barnjess]

i had a 60 watt infra bulb and its to hot to touch after 5 seconds so I would use something different

[Crimson Ghost]

Hi everyone and thank you for the feed back -- I have been building my Pup's (Lucy) whelping box. Just came up for a rest and enjoy a glass of wine.

I bought a Philips Infrared (clear) heat lamp.....so it should not cast light (but I wont be sure of course until I plug it all in).

I also have a couple of heating blankets that I will place under blankets in the box. What temp should the box be maintained ?

I am so glad I found this forum ! thank you very much for the feed back !

[barnjess]

The box should be kept at a temp of 75 - 80 get a thermometer and hand it on the box at floor level. Be careful not the over heat as the bitch can become dehydrated quickly. All i used was a 25 or 40 watt bulb you will be surprised how much heat it gives off. I would plug your infra red bulb now and see how hot it gets.

[Crimson Ghost]

OK great - that does help me. I finished the box last night - today I need to install the heat lamp and see how warm it gets. I am in PA and it is warm right now - but I keep the house at 74. Should I add a heating blanket as well?

Does the heat lamp run 24/7 ? I am setting it up on a PVC stand that will have the ability to swivel as well as adjustable height. In a little while I will have it set up and I will run the lamp and check the temp - if its above 80 I will raise the lamp.