Feeling guilty about cramped run

I wanted to free range my chickens, but hawks decided otherwise. After losing too many, I had to accept the fact that if I want to KEEP my birds, they need a covered run.

There are 15 birds in appr. 500 sq feet. I know it is better than industrial farming, but still not quite perfect. There isn't a single leaf of green in the run, for example. I tried to sow this and that, but you guess what always happened.

Today we are under heavy storm warning. I went to check everything is ok, and found all 15 in a huge heap on a shelf. Poor rooster had four hens laying on top if him!! They were all gurgling and chirruping contentedly. Several perches and night houses were empty.

I guess we should not fall for the thinking "everyone wants more space". These girls seemed really content as they were packed into a huge pile all together.
Secure and warm.

I know it's hard when you have a plan and Real Life smacks into your plan. I've had to redo so many things, and in less than good ways, that I've started planning for Murphy's Law (Everything that can go wrong will go wrong.) as part of my planning.

My better solution to aerial predators has been adding African geese, and making sure there's lots of tree, shrub, and subshrub shelter in the places the birds tend to go. Since most of my chickens don't go far from their safe area, it's easier for me to cut my losses against hawks and eagles, but I still get a few.

Sometimes the best you can do, in keeping your chickens safe from predators, is the best you can do. You have to do what you can and give yourself grace.
Do what you can with what you have, as you can. When you know more, or have more, you can do more.

If all your chickens are piled up together and relaxed and making happy chicken noises? They're happy. They have other options but aren't taking them. Chickens aren't humans in their need for personal space. They like being part of a flock. They like hanging out, closely, with their friends and family. They don't mind being right on top of each other - when they have options. As long as they aren't being forced into a small space, they're fine.

You're doing things right. Your chickens are happy and safe. That's all they ask for.

I think chickens are as happy on a compost pile as they would be on grass.
Without a way to do paddock rotation, my chooks killed every bit of green they could reach.
Now that I bring greenery to the run, they get as much or more than ever, and I get lots of compost.
They sometimes escape the run but they always go back to it of their own accord.
And yes, even at the height of summer they pile up on each other, rather than spreading out.