Hi All, Well Bonny is getting bigger by the day, and is now 57 days so not long now.

I have read all the books and watched a great Whelping Video so I am as ready as I can be!

I have two questions though - first one is that Bonny is a maiden bitch - does maternal instinct just kick in or will I have to help here along and secondly when the pups do arrive what is the best way of keeping the whelping box - and indeed the room warm (I am told it has to be between 25 and 30C).

Any help is much appreciated, hopefully all this stress for me and Bonny will be over soon. Bit late for second thoughts though!!!

Thanks - KEV

Fingers crossed for you hope all is well. I am not an expert but i think that maternal instinct usually kicks in, My bitch who is very young only 14 months herself succesfully delivered 8 pups and done really well on her own, i did give a little help on number 5 as she i think was just exhausted but she is a great mum, But i am sure someone who knows will be along to help you more.

Good luck
Brinny

What was the video please?

of course you have to help!  my maiden bitch just stood looking at the first whelp and i had to break the sack and cut cord- and that sack is tough (and im a midwife)  i was shocked at how tough it was. after the second or so whelp she did it herself but you need to be there all the time. all needed drying in a cloth as they are very wet. we had a portable radiator on all the time and the room was about 70/75f for the first few days.

I think that advice is a bit late - the original post is nearly two and a half years old!!! And help is not always necessary, maiden bitch or not - just as long as you are there if needed.

HA HA Hope she's NOT still in whelp now!! LOL