We are in the process of building a peafowl pen that will also be used by my other fowl. After doing tons of research, we are putting up 1/4 inch hardware cloth and 2x4 strong fencing over that. 1/4 inch will keep snakes and rats out and the 2x4 will prevent coons, dogs, coyotes,etc. out. We are digging small (10-12 inch) trenches but plan on pouring concrete into the trenches. My husband was afraid the wire would rust and not last long.