For predator proofing, I strung a strand of e. fence a foot off the ground about a foot away from the main fence, and then another wire about 6 inches off the top of the main fence. I fell asleep before turning the charger on. My fence is powerful to knock a cow down, but doesn't use up much power. Nice thing really. I know I've been lucky so far, I don't want to risk it much longer.
Electric fence sounds like a great idea.
A good place to watch for free stuff is the dump. Yes, it keeps them drier, but it also keeps them off the ground. With straw inside it, the birds stay nice and toasty. These dogs are well worth their feed bill. I haven't lost a single bird since obtaining my two females in November.