Prolapsed vent - am I getting it right?

[StephanieSB]

I have a cube and a problem. It was put together by the nice Omlet man, so I assume all was done properly. But I am worried that one of the run panels is buckling under the weight of the cube (the one at the rear between the two wheels -- pics below). When I press down on the foot levers and lift the cube up, the pressure on the panel eases and things straighten out and look fine. When I put the cube back down, the panel buckles in again and strains against the cube clips. We had to reinforce it with an extra 5 cube clips on each side, but the panel is still stressed and buckling inward under the weight.

 

Has anyone else had this problem? Can anyone advise if this is just a design thing and all is well? or if I need to contact Omlet about this before the whole cube comes down on my dustbathing gals? (okay, not terribly likely as there are other supports, but... not good idea either).

 

Anyway, the photos were hard to get the correct angle -- but believe me the buckling looks more dramatic in person -- and equally dramatically changes and shifts when the wheel levers are pressed down. I will also put a photo of one of two clips on the underside of the cube that seem to have moved out of place--? I don't know if it's supposed to be sticking out like that--?

 

 

 

 

Edited July 7, 2008 by Guest

[foreveryoung]

could the legs of the cube be slightly sinking into the ground slightly? causing the pannel to buckle slightly??

 

 

might be worth calling omlet even if it puts ur mind at rest?

[StephanieSB]

could the legs of the cube be slightly sinking into the ground slightly? causing the pannel to buckle slightly??

 

I just went out to have a look -- but that doesn't seem to be the case, no.

 

Yes, I will call on Monday and ask whom I could email the photos to -- was just hoping to know if this had happened to anyone before, or if it was the way everyone's cube was, and that's just how it is. Or if this was unique to our cube..??

[ubereglu]

Hmm, it doesn't look right doe it.

[Helen&Lee]

I think I remember reading that you move it every day, which is probably more than most people do.

 

I not saying this is right, but could it be possible that it's not designed to be strong enough to press down those foot levers every day?

 

I'd contact Omlet, as you really haven't had it that long, the product should be a long term product - if it's like that now how it will look in a years time isn't too promising a thought.

 

Helen

[StephanieSB]

I not saying this is right, but could it be possible that it's not designed to be strong enough to press down those foot levers every day?

 

Yes, Helen, you're right. I'd given that some thought, as well. I do hope that isn't true, as a house on wheels should be sturdy enough to move about quite a bit. I wouldn't expect it to start showing any wear for at least a year, if not longer. And looking at the underside, I think something's not put together properly or properly tightened... something's not right. I will definitely have to send those photos above to Omlet and talk to someone about it. As it is, even if I don't ever move it again, it's buckling and won't last long. At the very least, that back panel will pop open and the chicken run will be open to predators and random escapes. Not good.

[foreveryoung]

my cube only gets moved when I clean them out, it then goes back again to the same spot. but then it is in a good sized run and is now on slabs.

 

 

hope it gets sorted soon

[Snowy]

The weight of the cube is actually taken up by the thick green legs, rather than the back panel of mesh. Could be that the mesh is slightly too deep for the space so that it buckles when in position, but it is unlikely to get any worse as the legs will support it. Would still contact Omlet as it is obviously not right. What a shame

[Jules.]

Have you counted the number of mesh holes in the buckling panel to make sure it isn't longer than the side ones?

 

My cube doesn't have a run, but the mesh ends that come fixed to the cube look a bit bent at one end. My cube is a reconditioned one, so that may be why?

[StephanieSB]

Well, the buckling is even worse today. Omlet says they've not heard of or seen this before. I forwarded the photos above and ones I took today to them. Will let you know what happens.

 

 

[The Dogmother]

Stephanie, please call or email james@omlet.co.uk with this problem.

 

It wouldn't be caused by the weight of the cube as that is supported by the legs and frame. I'd try taking that section of mesh off and re-attaching it as it looks like it might be catching on the ground and or at the sides and then pushing inwards thus causing the buckling. Some overlap of the mesh may be needed to stop it squashing inwards.

[StephanieSB]

Stephanie, please call or email james@omlet.co.uk with this problem.

 

It wouldn't be caused by the weight of the cube as that is supported by the legs and frame. I'd try taking that section of mesh off and re-attaching it as it looks like it might be catching on the ground and or at the sides and then pushing inwards thus causing the buckling. Some overlap of the mesh may be needed to stop it squashing inwards.

 

Thanks Clare,

 

I will forward James the emails they had me send to Gwen this morning. I'm reluctant to start reassembling things myself. One -- nowhere safe to keep the chooks while I do that, and two -- the Omlet man put it together, so me taking it apart and playing about before Omlet has a chance to figure out what is going on could make things worse.

 

It's not that I think it will fall down to the ground really, as the wheel casing is holding the cube itself up, but if the back panel buckles anymore, the chickens could try to squeeze their heads through, another animal could try to paw its way in; if it bends open entirely, the chickens could escape... or a fox could get it... either way, not good.

 

I am upset by this, to be very honest. This is a hugely expensive piece of kit, and I had it put together by the experts to avoid anything like this happening. Quite honestly, after only one week, something like this should not be happening, and something needs doing about it.

 

All I can do is wait on Omlet to reply.

[The Dogmother]

I see what you mean - good call the leave it alone then. Let me know what James says.

 

If he's not in, then email johannes@omlet.co.uk. They always ask to be made aware of any problems like this so that they can get it fixed asap.

[StephanieSB]

Well, I got an email and spoke with James today. He assured me that no amount of moving it about the lawn daily or anything we did here has caused this. He wrote, "The reason that the run panel is bending - is simply because the panel has been made slightly too big and it is flexing to fit in the right location." Which means, panels and cubes and all the bits and bobs are a bit individual and a piece can be a cm or so out here and there. So what seems to have happened with mine, is that the back panel is simply "slightly too big."

 

But James assures me that it will not buckle further; it won't buckle so much as to make the run insecure and open to fox meddling. So I can either leave it as is, or I can undo the screws holding the top edge of panel to the bottom of the cube and let it slip free and settle on the outside of the cube, relieving the pressure and bowing effect. The run should still remain secure that way as well.

 

So -- if anyone else sees this problem with their cube... the fix is easy enough, or just leave it as is and (hopefully!) no worries.

[Helen&Lee]

Nice to hear that you got a reply Stephanie, it must have put your mind at ease.

 

Helen

[The Dogmother]

That's good to hear Stephanie.

 

Phew!