Hardware Cloth - How Far Up Run and Run Floor?

[DuckDuckSook]

I have a 3 ft apron of hardware cloth. There is dirt, mulch, grass above it. Multiple predators have come all the way up to the hardware cloth enclosed chain link panel run and proceeded to try and dig. Then they hit the hardware cloth apron and try further along. I've had critters digging at almost the edge of my 3 ft apron, but nothing has got past it yet. I would fully enclose everything except the bottom of the coop/run and put as large an apron as you can afford. All hardware cloth. I like to smooth out the small mulch and check in the morning to see the little dig holes the predators leave behind. Seeing every single hole stymied by the hardware cloth makes me happy!

Yes. That would be very satisfying. Hoping that happens for me too!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Hello Chicken Friends!
I'm revamping my run/coop set-up this spring. I have a chainlink kennel (10x10 and 6 ft tall) that I've used for years. It's served me well. I wrapped the bottom half with coated wire fencing halfway up and I use hog panels for roofing covered with chicken wire and tarps. The wire fencing is also skirted 18 inches out with rocks all around. It's been predator proof and keeps away raccoons, foxes, hawks, etc. However, rats are a problem. So, long story short, now that I'm redoing it all, I'm going to go Fort Knox on this thing.
My questions are: Do I need to put hardware cloth all the way up to the top? Can I get away with putting it only halfway up or will the rats climb?
I want to put it along the entire bottom of the run as a floor/substrate. Do I need to dig down a little and then put wood pellets on top to keep the chickens' feet safe or can I just lay it on the surface of the ground and then do the wood pellets?
Any advice, tips, suggestions, ideas are always appreciated! Thanks in advance!

small birds can fly through the chain link, I'd wrap that sucker so tight in 1/4 inch harware cloth as well, good luck!!