My hens have a raised coop with an enclosed run where I can lock them up an hour before dark .After they go to roost I shut the pop up door. Mornings I open the pop up door and run and let then back out in the big extension. This is where they have the most "free range" lol .I have a game camera I check daily for unusual activity(predators). I'm a retired chicken lady who caters to them all day.
Interesting. I also have a raised coop - built on an old boat trailer frame. I think having the coop up off the ground helps prevent some predators from getting in the coop. At least they cannot dig their way in. I also have to manually open and shut the pop door. I was considering getting an automatic door opener, but I still enjoy opening the door myself. Also, I count all the chickens at least twice a day when I open/close the pop door and check them for abnormal behaviours that may indicate sickness.