[Geo]

I have a fully enclosed run with 50mm square weldmesh panels. The mesh is heavy duty and as fox proof as possible.  I am concerned that rats or weasels will be able to enter the run and attack the hens.  Would 3ft high chicken wire tied attached around the base of the run keep them out?

[joyfull]

sorry no, weasels, stoats etc will chew through chicken wire, have a look at weldmesh on a roll (cheap and good delivery from Hills of Devon - google them  )

[Geo]

Thanks Joyful
I have a local supplier who is a lot cheaper than any I have seen on line. will go down tomorrow and see what he has. what size of weldmesh do you  recommend

[joyfull]

get the thickest wire you can (the lower the swg the thicker it is - if they use this way of measuring) and get the holes about 1/2 inch by 1 inch (sorry not sure of the metric size).

[Geo]

And finally 
Will 3ft be high enough to stop them getting in.

[joyfull]

hopefully but it just depends how determined they are.
Is your run seciure at the base - so that foxes can't dig under?

[Geo]

The run has paving slab on 2 sides and a wall and solid greenhouse base on the other 2.
There is no way a fox is getting in.

[joyfull]

sorted then 

[8doubles]

Rats are good climbers, i have seen them run 5ft up vertical brickwork and climbing in trees 8ft up.
Whether they do this or not depends on how hungry they are.

[Geo]

Rats are good climbers, i have seen them run 5ft up vertical brickwork and climbing in trees 8ft up.
Whether they do this or not depends on how hungry they are.

I would need to cover the whole run in the smaller weldmesh then. I will need to seriously look at this and weigh up the cost. This chicken keeping does not come cheap LOL.

[joyfull]

you could cover it with onduline depending on how big your run is, this would also keep the run nice and dry and stop it turning to mud 

[Geo]

the run is 15'x6'6"x6'high It has a roof on it made from the perspex? used for security on windows of empty properties. Don't know how to post photo

[joyfull]

if it is the corrugated stuff you can get ends to fit in the corrugated bits to block them off or you could scrunch up chicken wire to fit in - this would stop the rats getting under it 

[Geo]

the roof material is flat. thanks

[joyfull]

if it over all the top then the rat can't get in through that