The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: DavidandCollette on January 29, 2015, 09:42:18 am

Title: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: DavidandCollette on January 29, 2015, 09:42:18 am
Hi has anyone used a polytunnel to house sheep and goats?
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Buttermilk on January 29, 2015, 12:52:11 pm
A neighbouring farmer is lambing in one.
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Jamie12 on January 29, 2015, 02:38:06 pm
I'm in the process of fixing one up to lamb in.
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Marches Farmer on January 29, 2015, 02:42:18 pm
Have to watch out for snow.  Someone we know who used one on the Long Mynd found it flattened one morning - fortunately the sheep were outside at the time.
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Anke on January 29, 2015, 04:37:02 pm
Depends on the sheep breed I guess - horns would be a bit of a hazard?
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Rosemary on January 29, 2015, 07:36:06 pm
Do you mean a proper sheep polytunnel or a vegetable polytunnel? TBH, I haven't used either but the sheep ones have mesh sides I think for ventilation. Sheep aren't good in poorly ventilated places so that might be a problem in a "conversion" job. But just a thought rather than actual experience.
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Ladygrey on January 29, 2015, 07:45:16 pm
Do you mean a proper sheep polytunnel or a vegetable polytunnel? TBH, I haven't used either but the sheep ones have mesh sides I think for ventilation. Sheep aren't good in well ventilated places so that might be a problem in a "conversion" job. But just a thought rather than actual experience.

Do you mean "in poorly ventilated places"  ::)  ;)

I did look into getting a lambing polytunnel for lambing this year, I got the full quotes and everything in the autumn time, but it worked out expensive for what it was plus I didnt have any flat land plus as the land I have is rented I'm not sure I wanted to put one up anyway

They quoted 1 square metre per sheep, so my quote was for a small one as most would be lambing outside, I think the 50 square metre one came to around £3,000

We just built a field shelter instead, and if there are any problems we will put inside for a little
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Rosemary on January 29, 2015, 08:20:46 pm
Do you mean a proper sheep polytunnel or a vegetable polytunnel? TBH, I haven't used either but the sheep ones have mesh sides I think for ventilation. Sheep aren't good in well ventilated places so that might be a problem in a "conversion" job. But just a thought rather than actual experience.

Do you mean "in poorly ventilated places"  ::) ;)

I did. Good spot - thanks. Changed it now  ::)
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: devonlady on January 29, 2015, 08:44:25 pm
Marquees are available at this time of year small and large for lambing.
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: langfauld easycare on January 29, 2015, 08:52:43 pm
 :wave: guy i used to dyke for in yarrow valley near selkirk(scottish borders) had 2 which he lambed in . they had plastic windbreak mesh up about 4ft from the ground for ventilation then a wood rail which the plastic attached to . the plastic on these was green . they were in a sheltered spot .yarrow does get a lot of snow but tunnels seemed to work well .
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: Crbecky10 on January 30, 2015, 07:34:53 pm
Polytunnels for sheep have often mesh round the sides for ventilation. This can be a problem in winter months and for lambing in if there is bad weather which can blow through and be cold, meaning they can be very cold in winter if not in a sheltered place. Also, in summer they soon get very hot.
They need to be put up well or the plastic can soon be damaged by the wind or in snow.
As for sheep with horns, the plastic isn't far down enough for their horns to reach.
Title: Re: polytunnels for sheep and goats
Post by: DavidandCollette on February 01, 2015, 09:30:59 am
 :excited: Thanks for all your responses. We have decided to get a sheep polytunnel. It will be good for Lambing also means the ram lambs are dry when they do for slaughter. They will also be dry for shearing, a problem we came across last year.