Hi there
Our German Shepherd bitch is due in about 1-2 weeks time. We have built and set up the whelping box,but we are unsure about having a heat lamp. We were wondering if it is a must to have one? This is our first time breeding,so please excuse the stupid questions. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Lisa And Derek

I've never used a heatlamp. If your bitch is whelping in the house, I suggest you put the whelping box under a table and put sheets all around to make a tent affair. The heat from the bitch should keep it plenty warm enough at this time of year.
:)

Good luck with your litter!!
I was going to use a playpen to put around the whelping box so I could make a "den" as the box won't fit under my table. I've got one of the Challoner metal heat mats but don't think I'll need it either.
We're on day 53 and I've been using a stethoscope the last few nights and it's just amazing. I can hear heartbeats and hear them moving around :-) they are really wriggly now. I've been frantically ticking off my list to make sure I've got everything, it's very exciting but nerve wracking to. I was going to start taking her temp from Weds next week, does that sound OK? I don't want to start too early in case she gets hacked off but want to start early enough so I can get a pattern going?
Has anyone heard from Trekkiemo, I know her bitch is due tomorrow??