Could this work without a run?

[OneLostHen]

I have a structure in the backyard that I have always wanted to convert into a coop. Its roughly 10x6. I'm looking to get 4 birds MAX. Would I need to add a run for them to have enough space?
Also, what type of coop would you turn this into? Open on 3 sides or more enclosed with a lot of ventilation?
I live in hot humid Houston.

 

[aart]

Maybe.
If structure is sound, would be a great place to start.
But more space it always better.

 

[NatJ]

Its roughly 10x6. I'm looking to get 4 birds MAX.

Yes, that should be big enough.

Also, what type of coop would you turn this into? Open on 3 sides or more enclosed with a lot of ventilation?
I live in hot humid Houston.

I would go for open on three sides (but with hardware cloth on those sides, to keep chickens in and predators out.)

I think it will look like a roofed "run" with roosts and nestboxes added, instead of what most people think of as a coop--but will probably be the best choice for your climate.

 

[OneLostHen]

Thanks!
I would definitely need to predator proof it as I have stray cats in the area. I was just unsure of how to design it and if the structure alone will be enough room to start.
If not I may see about making it an off the ground quail pen. I have about 20 feet to the left of the structure I can possibly add a run to. Although there is a gas line nearby that I'm not sure if I should enclose.

 

[NatJ]

The usual advice is to give each chicken 4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run.

For cold climates (where the run is not available in winter), the usual advice is 10 square feet per bird inside the coop.

If you have 6x10 feet, that's 60 square feet. With 4 chickens that's 15 square feet each. So I think it'll be fine.

 

[OneLostHen]

Sorry my yard is a jungle. Been a wet few weeks!

 

[aart]

I would stay clear of the gas meter.

 

[aart]

Hard to say how many walls, you'd want...probably least one to block wind.
A very large roof would help keep the rain out.

 

[Cintax]

I'd put a roof on it and enclose the structure with hardware cloth. You can frame up an area to protect from wind and rain where you can put roosts and a nesting box. Seems easy enough to convert.