Considering Underground Coop

[ScottandSam]

You might see what others do around you in the state thread section.

Scott

 

[black_dove2]

I would forget underground, too dark and possible water seeping in. Rabbits might like it.

I used to live about 2 miles from here on out of town. My back fence faced an undeveloped area so large, lots of acreage. Lots of Jack rabbit, cottontail and quail. In addition to the underground owls, hawks and coyotes.

The wildest creature in my neighborhood is an old Road Runner that has maintained his route, lol. He knows where all the dogs are and has learned to keep away from them. His biggest threat is from the mockingbirds!

Occasionally we will see a coyote running through town, but that is towards the edges whereas I live smack dab in the middle of what one would loosely call 'downtown'

You are right about moisture well water. I did consider what to do because of flash floods here. I have to make sure it's watertight. Basic idea is hole, felt type liner one would use on a pond, pond liner materia, then the box (coop). Cover the top.

Thanks for getting me my list of things to take into consideration, it's much appreciated!

 

[black_dove2]

I think ventilation will be the hardest to adapt. In traditional coops we use low and high vents for different weather. The nice thing is if its deep enough. It will stay pretty solid temps year round.
I don't think it would be that hard. Everything except Ventilation. But heck if moneys not a concern there are ways to vent areas like that.

Scott

Thanks for bringing up ventilation! That's been nagging the back of my mind, lol. Money is always an issue in my world, but I think there could be some cost effective way of doing so.

I was going to read on ventilation system for coops then determine what would be my best option.

Thank you for commenting! All information is welcome!

 

[imnukensc]

I don't think you'll enjoy cleaning it out when the time comes. And it will come.

 

[black_dove2]

You might see what others do around you in the state thread section.

Scott

BIG THANKS!!!! I hadn't even considered this.

 

[black_dove2]

I don't think you'll enjoy cleaning it out when the time comes. And it will come.

Hahahaha, so true!!!!!!

One of the first Cons on the list.

Even though any coop needs cleaning it's still staying on the Con list.

Thanks for the heads-up! It would be so easy to run away with a design and not consider how the h*** will I clean it now, lol

 

[black_dove2]

I'm very excited about this project and welcome any advice, tips, links and reminders.

As I've been reading comments I see there are definitely things that cannot be discarded because I think it's unnecessary or costly.

I will have to start my checklist everyone is welcome to add to;

Watertight
Ventilation
Lighting
Cleaning
Roost
Nesting box
Cleaning

 

[Birdinhand]

my coop is built into a bank, with some of the potential benefits and problems you have noted. so far it has worked out very well. it's kind of passive geo thermal. it stays cool in the summer time, is open to the north with spots where the sun hits in the morning and evening inside the coop. it has stayed remarkably dry but it is not in a hole, just a bank on one side. the main advantage for me has been the clawing back of otherwise unusable yard space be terracing. I did have to add a wall where the coop goes below the soil line.

 

[black_dove2]

my coop is built into a bank, with some of the potential benefits and problems you have noted. so far it has worked out very well. it's kind of passive geo thermal. it stays cool in the summer time, is open to the north with spots where the sun hits in the morning and evening inside the coop. it has stayed remarkably dry but it is not in a hole, just a bank on one side. the main advantage for me has been the clawing back of otherwise unusable yard space be terracing. I did have to add a wall where the coop goes below the soil line.

Wow that sounds so cool! If you have pics and you don't mind sharing I would appreciate seeing them! Especially items you mentioned like your retaining wall. Door to the north.

Thank you! Retaining wall will be added to the I will probably need need list