If I am gone for work and I have a large run and it is daylight and I am out in the country, do I need to keep the hens locked up? if I pull string in a cris-cross pattern on the top of the run, are they safe while I am away during the day? Must they be locked in the 8x10 coop all day if I am working? I know I shouldn't let them free range when not home, but what about a basic run (hardware cloth on under the ground of the perimeter and string or rope cris crossed over the top....
Well, I would have them locked up, Depends on how long you're gone. If you're gone 1-2 days you should let them free range
If your pen is Fort Knox tight, they should be safe, however I would recommend heavy-duty poultry netting over the top.