There are a number of things to consider before, during and after the whelping of a bitch.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
How do I go about getting a litter from my working stock-spaniel gun dog?
OUR EXPERTS
Jeremy Hunt
Jeremy has been breeding gun dog for over 25 years. He is a member of the Kennel Club and lives in Lancashire and is well known as a writer on country sports and rural issues.
Mark Whitehouse
Mark is an 'A' panel Kennel Club judge for spaniels and has represented England six times in international gundog events. He trains and breeds labradors and spaniels at the Cheweky Gundog Kennels in Yorkshire.
MARK SAYS:
The best time to whelp a bitch is mid-spring/early summer when the weather has started to warm up. Also, all puppies thrive during these long summer days. Another advantage of breeding mid-spring/early summer is that your bitch does not miss a days shooting. However this all depends on the time your bitch actually comes into season, normally every seven to nine months
Ensure that the stud dog you choose has a proven track record and is of working stock. If you decide to use a Field Trial Champion (FTCH) you can guarantee that he has been tested at the highest standard, and hopefully these qualities can be passed on to his progeny.
Before the puppies are due, ensure your bitch is isolated and the chosen area has plenty of light and is draft free. Heat is required during the winter months. A good sturdily built whelping box with an inner rail is recommended to prevent any puppies being accidentally laid on.
You should also worm and spray for parasites from an early age. Worming should be carried out from when your puppies are approximately two weeks old, a recommended brand is Panacure paste or liquid, and spraying for external parasites should be undertaken from when your puppies are two days old - a recommended and widely used brand is 'Frontline'.
Your puppies should have their first vaccination at 10 weeks old and the second vaccination at 12 weeks old and annually thereafter.
Weaning starts at four weeks and a top quality puppy food is paramount. I use Arden grange and have had great results.
If you have have any gundog related questions/queries then please send them in to:
Gundog Questions, Shooting Gazette, PO Box 225, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2HS.
Don't miss our partridge and duck special in this week's Shooting Times (on sale Wednesday 1st September). Plus, how to save money on feed on your shoot and as his Labrador nears the end of her pregnancy, Tony Jackson gets ready for the new arrivals. For all this and much more get down to your newsagents today!
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