This is good to know. I'm planning to provide unlimited dry feed but also supplement with ff and sprouted grains when I can. My morning routine is busy enough as it is that I don't want to commit myself to ff *every* day.
So if I'm understanding correctly, what you're saying is that if you have a horizontal apron and let the grass grow through it, predators will view the run wall as the obstacle and try to dig at that point?
Small predators like that won't be able to get through hardware cloth that is adequately secured.
If you have bears, I think the feed is going to be the least of your worries when there's free chicken available. If that's the case, definitely go with the electric fence.
2 is a good idea. I volunteer at donkey Sanctuary. Donkeys, like racoons, are smart and crafty. Every gate/door has two locking mechanisms. Gotta outsmart them. 😉