Question about free ranged hen coop size - can I fudge the guidelines?

[Fred's Hens]

Oh, and I choose to do this, and love it.

 

[farmer_lew]

Even if you "plan" to free-range every day, mother nature isn't always willing to cooperate. You said 10 birds max. Have you factored in "chicken math"? THe best thing to do is to build a coop, 8x8 at least. That will provide space for 16 birds. You will not regret going larger than you think you'll need, but many regret buildng a coop that is too small.