Hello Randi: I know I posted this a few years ago about my outside pen but I will re-post.
The pen is a Magnum Pen from Behlen Mfg. out of Nebraska. For all you Nebraskans, yes, this is one of the reasons I bought the pen. I first heard of them when reading through Craig List looking for pens, someone had a 10x10 for sell and a good price, but a 10x10 was to big. I found that Stockyard supplies in Colorado sold the pens and bought a new one. Yes, they are a little pricey but very well built and you only need a 1/2 " socket, pair of pliers or channel locks to install the pen. The only reason for the tools is to install the door latch, other than that, no tools are needed. The only thing I do not like about the pen was that the 5x5 does not come with a top, the 5x10 or 10x10 do have an optional top. I just bought an extra side panel and used it for the top. The pen sits on artificial turf from Pro-Green in Colorado, under the turf, I laid down PolyMax Poultry Overlapping/Kennel Flooring. With the turf sitting on the PolyMax, this will allow liquids to drain from the turf, down through the PolyMax and then onto the deck. Because of the spacing, there will be no puddling. I am still planning on installing 4x4's under the PolyMax and raise it even higher off of the deck. There is better turf for drainage than Pro-Green but the section I got was a remnant and was around 1/2 off of the normal price. I do have a doggie door from Solo dog doors that is an in-wall door that goes directly into the pen (not pictured). The door is really well built, the frame is steal and slips right in-between the studs in the wall. I do have one broken roller I need to replace but will do that when spring arrives. It does not prevent to door from working. Hank Solo the owner of the company first designed the door for his Chi. The dogs have access to the pen at any time. I also have a warming mat that is on at all time in front of the doorso it will melt the snow so the door will not be blocked. In the picture is Timmi and Choxi. (I hope the attachment worked). We did loose Choxi last year. Even though she never really come to me, she also had me getting her apples at night. If she was still around, we would be sharing an apple right now as I type this note. Besides Timmi, we have Mocha, Cheddar, and Blue (Daughter's Chi/mix) use this pen all of the time. ________________________________ From: Randi Grennan <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 11:35 AM Subject: [Chihuahuas] protecting dogs outside I was shocked to hear coyotes behind my house in Georgia so I went to petsmart and bought a cage that is 6' by 6' with a top so it is completely contained. The only way I'll feel safe with my dogs outside again. I hate that they can't have the freedom they had but better safe than sorry. And my 3 cats are now total inside cats. Randi I think that if it were me, I would warn that neighbor, very nicely, but firmly, that if his dog keeps running over to say hello to your dogs, because he is off leash, that he is giving you no choice but to complain to the town authorities. I would explain that, you don't want to see the dog taken away
