So I decided to build an underground coop: UPDATE pg 33

[ColoradoMike]

Awesome! Thanks for the update. Oblio!

 

[OrpingtonManor]

Wow, haven't seen this thread in a LONG TIME! However, it was great to see the update. Nice, really nice!

 

[tinychicky]

cool, i love it!!

 

[Serina81]

Do you think some variety of this could work with geese?

 

[VI KING RANCH]

Of courseitcould work with geese

 

[Serina81]

I suppose when you add the word could to any question there's always a chance, but I wouldn't have asked if I didn't think it "could" work. How would a goose handle living below ground level considering how much more careful they are then chickens? Would they lay eggs in something like this? How would they get in and out?

Check out this thread for my attempt at an underground goose nest

 

[missmitiep]

Hello! this is an old thread but I have been playing with this idea in my head, a sort of hobbit/walipini style chicken coop, I live in Ontario Canada and the nights can get to -30c on occasion,I am new to chicken keeping this year and the coop we made last summer just isn't cutting it, we have had serious frost bite issues this winter (and we were a bit spoiled with warmer weather this year) and I want to find a better system to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I am wondering how this coop has been working these past few years? have you had to tweak or change anything??I was very excited to find this post!! I don't feel so crazy knowing someone else has thought of this

Thank you!

 

[uncledoug]

hello, Good on ya, guy. You will be happy, I've built several semi underground structures and i have some hints from the experience that you may find useful. While u still have that back hoe handy, have him dig a corner out to an area away from the pit so any water that gets down there has a place to go, or your looking at later having a solar powered sump pump to keep your chickens dry. When u build your walls with whatever you use. Make sure to use some 4 mil plastic around the outside before you back fill. I also use those 2 foot high by 4 inch x 8 foot sheets of insulation ( 2 thick) around the top two foot of the back fill so the frost line is hampered a bit during the winter. It works well.

You will be happy with your underground coop, as the earth is constantly above freezing.
adding a propane light , will keep the entire place heated suitably. When i make a sod roof, i always start out with plastic or the best is Grace snow and ice shield for a permanent water tight roof, then i put sheet metal on it and small rock 3/4 then a small galvanized screen to keep the dirt out of the rock, then the sod. Then i collect all the excess rain water thru gutters off the sheet metal and run it to a collection barrell and use it for the water system for the chickens. Beats hauling the water and i bury the water barrel and the earth keeps it from freezing also.

Your underground coop is a Great idea, it will serve you well for many years. good luck

Doug