That was the intent of posting a photo of my current grow out coop. People read silly mandatory numbers for space birds absolutely need. It all has to do with your management as a whole not arbitrary numbers repeated on these forums far to often. My management is such that birds only use coops to roost at night. Individual bird temperament and if they were brood mates has a lot to do with how much they will willingly cram into a small safe place to sleep. What is the run size for those birds? Over 6,000 sqft with a few lilacs, other shrub tree and large willow. So when viewing a photo as what was posted many would cringe and expound "abuse" which is quite the opposite of reality. What is not seen in that photo is three more cockerels and the breeding cock from that spring that also roost there. Virtually unlimited space in run, prime shrubs to make bathing basins under and not a single wound or feather plucked. How many more could fit in there? I honestly don't know, not many for sure but they constantly amaze me. Since that photo and the cockerels are still growing out for slaughter the cock bird was dispatched, five oldest pullets and the hen being broken from brooding have moved to layer coop but three more hens started to brood so are moved down to grow out coop. Testament to how well behaved my variety of birds are and the power of brood mates, chicks growing out in view of adults and soon foraging all together. It's management and specific line of birds that makes what I do possible.
Incredibly large runs with excellent forage and shade shrubs with small coops are actually better than large coops and small runs. But again, personal opinions and preference to management does apply.
