04/06/2026
Ok i wanted to write a post on the home & roost chartwell hutches.
This is a lengthy post so please bare with me.
Having 7, 3 tier 6ft x 2ft hutches i figured it would be helpful to give my views on this particular hutch.
Firstly, anybody who has seen these hutches knows they arent cheap. This does not mean they are the best just forwarning.
I have had my fair share of issues with these hutches from minor damage to completely unusable.
Now outside of that here are a few recommendations to make these hutches sturdier and easier to clean if you are set on buying them.
I highly recommend tossing the legs (or use them for an unrelated project.
I feel the legs supplied arent sturdy and come with the risk in high winds irregardless of where it is set up (outside) for them blowing over.
For my most recent hutches I have completely left the legs off and instead used scrap pieces of wood for make shift legs front to back at both ends and the middle to provide better support. They are thicker, sturdier and I have had no issues with the wind since changing what I use as legs.
Also in addition to this if you use the original legs and are 5ft5 of less resign yourself to using a stool or step to get to the back inner corner 😅
Secondly I highly recommend either using a waterproof based paint or protection for the wood otherwise it isn't protected and soaks up the water heavily.
DO NOT waste your money on their lino. You are much better off going to a carpet shop and asking if they have offcuts you can buy, their lino cuts are half and half with the middle strip missing which originally is how I made my lino cuts aswell. Big mistake, rabbits will dig it up easily and chew the heck out of the edges. I've had to scrap the lino in several of my hutches because the rabbits tore it up. Instead use full strips from edge to edge, it isn't completely rabbit proof BUT it lasts so much longer and is harder for them to rip up.
Next specifically for boys or rabbits that just p*e everywhere I recommend also waterproofing the wood underneath and using wood sealant between levels too to reduce the chance of p*e seeping down the sides to lower hutches, specifically if your getting tiered hutches.
I will also say even with lino, constantly cleaning etc. Their p*e will stain it regardless.
For now thats my top recommendations. If I think of more I will add them.
IF you are in the posion to do so, I do however recommend building your own hutches / enclosures etc. From scratch, sourcing proper marine ply, coating it in waterproof animal safe sealant like Timbac or similar. And spending a slight bit extra for something that will be so much sturdier and last so much longer than premade, flatpack hutches.
