[heyhay1984]

Hi all
Has anyone here any experience of re-covering a polytunnel frame to make a lambing-type structure?

I have a good frame with a knackered cover so just exploring options to see if worth trying. I am thinking it could be multipurpose i.e. keep the chickens in in winter (partly assuming lockdown becomes a regular thing) then turfing them back into their arks once lambing in Spring. If still in lockdown their arks meet the requirements so no worries on overlap.

I use pallet collars as raised beds so could even use the structure for growing after lambing, in theory, let chickens clear beds in winter then put them away (they fold up) before sheep come in. We make plenty of compost so I'm happy to take the hit on losing that every year, assuming that won't affect the sheep?

Anyone done it? Where's best for the side mesh? What type of polythene is best for the roof in this case (the plants are lowest priority to be honest)

[Bionic]

I'm not sure I can help with your questions but have recently been looking at a poly tunnel for plants. I note that they have tunnels for planting and tunnels for animals. I am guessing most poly tunnel makers have the same but if not, this is the one I am looking at.
5 star polytunnels

[Marches Farmer]

Do you have snow at lambing time?  Folks we know kept ewes in theirs one bad Winter but the tunnel collapsed in an unforecasted blizzard.  If you go to one of the NSA shows this year there's generally a sheep tunnel manufacturer showing their goods, which may give you some ideas.

[DavidandCollette]

I am sure that the polytunnel manufacturers will advise you

[shep53]

Having just put one up ,it use's  super strength wind break 1m high round the bottom and the white plastic is made by VISIQUEEN

[shotblastuk]

I use a polytunnel for lambing successfully. Instead of the clear plastic I covered mine in a green heavy duty tarpaulin which is easier to secure tightly and remove to store when not in use. Being green this also doesn't stick out like a sore thumb on the horizon! (also easier to muck out). For the side mesh i use the same thin mesh you see  used on scaffolding doubled up, blue in this case. Plenty of through air is needed so the front arch I leave open. I found by using the clear plastic initially condensation was a problem but with the tarpaulin this doesn't seem any way near as bad.

[heyhay1984]

Thanks for your advice- I am sure google and the polytunnel manufacturers would indeed be able to advise but you can't beat a forum for gathering different ideas like yours shotblastuk- I hadn't thought of a tarp but can see how that could help keep things drier.

I did wonder about leaving the ends open- standard poly manufacture seems to say this is a no-no because of fixing the fabric down tight but I can picture how you've done it. Plus no doors required so no worries on that front!

Anybody else had a go at doing this?