size of space for chucks

Hi all after reading conflicting comments on the size of space each chuck needs i decided to find out so here we go
RSPCA
web site states that 12sq metters of space will hold 30 birds, they will need
15cms of roosting space

DEFRA
The law states density must not exeed 9 laying hens per sq metter

EU-Free range
each hen must have 4 sq metter of usable space single or multy tier with a maximum use of 4 layers with or without outdoor access
 
EU-Battery hens
The minimum legal requirment for up to 5 hens is 20" x 20" (inch)

EU- Barn hens
maximum legal density must not exeed 25 hens per usable sq-meter

To be honest i think that having that many chucks in such a small space is cruel 

I'm also surprised at that one!  I would have thought that access to the outdoors was the minimum prerequisite for being "free range".   I would be extremely surprised if they could be kept permanently indoors in a multi-tiered arrangement and be called free range!

I do hope my two posts above help to put peoples mind at ease - free range means access all day to the outside, which is mainly covered by vegetation and also shade to be provided and as they are descendants of the jungle fowl they should have trees providing this shade. The density of the birds outside at it's minimum is 4square metres per bird 

a lot of people get confused and only see the housing minimum requirements - which is what I can only assume has happened here and on several other posts. Most backyard poultry keepers though cannot afford to give their birds the minimum space of mainly vegetation, especially when you consider how quickly the hens will clear the ground of grass and other plants. The more space you can give your birds the better although even the space mine have is not enough for my birds or so it would seem as they are often found wandering along the bridleway and in the field next to my house  .