Im sure mixed corn is the best for your hens but Im afraid I spoil mine rotten! Its mealworms that get them running here; mind you, they are so expensive that I have to buy them in bulk on the Net! My hens come to the song "come on Laydeeees!"
Jon is absolutely right about foxes. I haven't had any losses yet but my neighbour lost 25 in one attack last year and 3 last week. Last year's attack was in the middle of the day. The only time I ever see foxes though is early in the morning, presumably returning home after hunting.
Its only a matter of time before Mr Fox visits me, I know. But I don't want to keep my ladies confined every day until then because, as Jon says, it might be years away.
I haven't had a cockerel so far either, although ive got some among my 4week old chicks. But I think a cockerel is helpful in 2 ways: he will alert you to a predator better than your hens will , and he will keep your hens in a smaller range closer to home than they will on their own. My hens regularly stray way down the field, which obviously increases the risk of them being taken.
My view is that you have to do what you can best live with. Im philosophical about the risks, I take some basic precautions (although my Legbars have other ideas) , but I love to watch the hens enjoying their explorations and I wouldn't miss that part of our life.
re electric netting: I am always pondering this one. I think its very good BUT you will have to really keep on top of the grass and weeds under and near the bottom of the fence. At this time of year they are growing as you stand and look at them and once they touch your electric netting its useless. I just don't have time to cut the grass twice a week. Can you put concrete slabs or gravel under it? I cant as our run moves around the grass every few weeks.