Floating DH's Idea -- An Earth Sheltered Coop?

[3KillerBs]

So, last night DH and I were sitting outside at sunset watching the bats come out and talking about how we'll set up the coop and the aquaponics. I was debating how to deal with the approximate 4-5' dropoff in the ground level; if it would be better to build a wood floor even with the upper level, to go down steps to the building, or to go down steps inside the building.

This morning DH suggested an earth-sheltered coop -- built right into/against that dropoff with a concrete block or poured concrete retaining wall/foundation.

Has anyone here tried building a coop into a hillside?

My initial reaction was to wonder about keeping it dry enough and my second reaction was to think that it would be very good for moderating our viciously-hot summers while making it easier to keep the waterers from freezing in winter (in 13 winters I only remember the ground actually freezing once and then only a few inches deep).

DH has always wanted an earth-sheltered building so if it's reasonably feasible it would make him very happy.

 

[R2elk]

So, last night DH and I were sitting outside at sunset watching the bats come out and talking about how we'll set up the coop and the aquaponics. I was debating how to deal with the approximate 4-5' dropoff in the ground level; if it would be better to build a wood floor even with the upper level, to go down steps to the building, or to go down steps inside the building.

This morning DH suggested an earth-sheltered coop -- built right into/against that dropoff with a concrete block or poured concrete retaining wall/foundation.

Has anyone here tried building a coop into a hillside?

My initial reaction was to wonder about keeping it dry enough and my second reaction was to think that it would be very good for moderating our viciously-hot summers while making it easier to keep the waterers from freezing in winter (in 13 winters I only remember the ground actually freezing once and then only a few inches deep).

DH has always wanted an earth-sheltered building so if it's reasonably feasible it would make him very happy.

My main coop is the basement of my shop. It is built into the side of a hill. It helps keep the coop cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

 

[3KillerBs]

My main coop is the basement of my shop. It is built into the side of a hill. It helps keep the coop cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Do you have any moisture issues? Do you need to take any special precautions about that?

I am, btw, on exceedingly sandy soil -- very well drained.

 

[R2elk]

Do you have any moisture issues? Do you need to take any special precautions about that?

I am, btw, on exceedingly sandy soil -- very well drained.

I live on a sand dune. Drainage is excellent. The sand is the floor. I do not have moisture issues since this is a dry climate. Yesterday's outside humidity was 17%. I am also at one mile high elevation and our annual rainfall is not a lot. This year has been very dry.

One of the smartest things I did was to put in a frost free water hydrant and then built the coop around it.

 

[3KillerBs]

Water right inside the coop sounds like a fabulous idea.

 

[R2elk]

Water right inside the coop sounds like a fabulous idea.

It is wonderful. I also wired the coop for electricity. No running dangerous extension cords for lights or anything else.

 

[3KillerBs]

It is wonderful. I also wired the coop for electricity. No running dangerous extension cords for lights or anything else.

We will definitely wire it no matter what. DH is experienced with electrical work already.

 

[aart]

First thought is ventilation.

 

[Neggative]

you need good ventalation tho! and have it easy to clean out! two very important things!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It is wonderful. I also wired the coop for electricity. No running dangerous extension cords for lights or anything else.

Sounds awesome. I have long dreamed of living in a hillside/ dugout.