Firstly I must say what a fantastic forum this is, It has lots of helpful friendly members and lots of brilliant advice.
I have been reading many topics on the subject of fox proofing the pen, either with weldmesh or using a fox proof netting system, and not to mention the problem with rats.
The pen I am planning is going to be at the bottom of the garden and will be about 45M2 in area. I am planning at getting 6 hens and maybe a couple of ducks to start with.
To construct this out of weldmesh and inclose the top with chicken wire would cost me a kidney (very expensive) The back of the pen backs onto open fields, this will have a 2mtr high fence, made from vertical timber with an up-turned 2 inch plastic gutter along the top to help to prevent Mr fox from getting over. I just need to do both sides and the front.
I am planning at constructing the sides and the front of the pen as a fixed electric fence. It will be an alternating live -earth system . For the bottom I am planning on using a very small electrified SS mesh around the parameter 175mm high that might help to prevent rats from getting in. it will then be alternate live - earth wires to a height of 1,3mtr. I am still thinking at what would be the best height to make it. the max height that I can make it is 2.2mtr. I was looking at using steel posts for the earthing bonding system. and insulated wires around the posts.
I am still thinking what wire would be best , either hotwire, galvanized steel. or SS. I can also add additional vertical wires if needed. I have allowed for a hot gate and a buzz-bar system for attaching any additional netting that I might require at a later date.
I was just thinking if anyone out there has made their own fence,and what problems they have found. I have calculated the cost to be about half that of constructing it from weldmesh.
I have used this document for design reference, any feed back would be most helpful
http://www.naturalengland.gov.uk/Images/electric-fence-manual_tcm6-11352.pdf