[danfinn1]

Just collecting our eggs this lunch time and noticed some animal had started a burrow by the hedge and not far from from our run. I think too small for a fox, no droppings so escaped rabbit or rat. What do you think. My birds got very excited when I went out with the camera, between the showers and Sandy got herself in the picture 

[madcat]

Looks like a mole entry hole to me...  could be a wood mouse but I'll bet on the mole.  And if it puts its snout out that hole, your Sandy will 'ave 'im!  She means business!

[joyfull]

I would say it's a rat hole.

[Sassy]

Mmmmmm  rat probably

[8doubles]

Could be an old rat burrow the hens have excavated.

If you are lucky !

[Helenaj]

I would say Mr Ratty having had similar troubles in the past. I've also had moles (not me personally, but you know what I mean!) and there is no evidence that the earth has been pushed up in your photo - moles burrow up, rats and mice burrow down and it's too big for a mouse. Best time to see them is just at dusk or very early morning when your garden is quiet.

[danfinn1]

Well it didn't take up residence . I filled in the hole next day and all is well. We are quite used to rats here,  usually getting the odd one paying us a visit as our property is right next to the canal . I don't usually bother too much about them as they are on their own. If we had a pack visiting then that would be different , and of course we never leave any food out.