[CWatters]

We're having problems with the large number of wild birds (pidgeons and rooks mostly) stealing food from our chickens. I'm planning to net/mesh the top of our enclosure to keep them out but...

Our enclosure uses 2" mesh. If I use the same for the roof am I going to find a lot of smaller wild birds get through it and then can't get out again?

[joyfull]

you could invest in a treddle feeder :-

http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Galvanised_Treadle_Feeder.html

[carolbriar]

I had the same problem as you and was going through so much food.  Anyway, I have covered our entire run with chicken wire with I think it is a 1" hole.  I still get the odd small bird getting through somehow but generally speaking that is in the winter when it is freezing outside.  It's amazing how much less food I am going through now. 

[hennyandpenny]

yep, we had hundreds! of small wild birds (from a nearby hedge) esp in winter flying in through the chook wire and emptying their food bowl.I got some fine wire mesh and wrapped the whole run in it, that kept them out,and don't need to top up their food bowl now quite so much!