Up Next
A lady has created an all-inclusive, five-star hotel for chickens, and she's already fully booked until 2024.
Katriona Shovlin, who has eight of her own birds, started her female-only 'hennels' last year after seeing a gap in the market.
She allows hens and ducks to stay at her retreat in Upchurch, Kent – charging £3 per bird per day – for which they receive soft bedding, a full menu, and unlimited access to a house and swings.
Relaxing music also plays continuously – including Classic FM and the soundtrack from the movie Up – and there's a dust bath for the chickens to clean themselves.
After her hen hotels became widely known last November, Katriona says her phone has been constantly ringing, with many customers finally taking a vacation after years of not being able to.
Animal science graduate Katriona, 31, also offers 'chick-in' visits where she goes to take care of larger flocks that cannot be moved from their surroundings.
Katriona said: ‘It's been fantastic. People may have thought that I was crazy but the bookings have been almost non-stop for the entire year. But really, the people who own chickens and ducks have been very happy – the phone has been ringing non-stop.
‘People have said they've been searching for this for years. I've had some really great reviews honestly! I like to believe it's still a five-star hotel.
‘The bookings vary – some are long weekends, some two or three weekends at a time. There has been a great demand where I've thought of setting up another hotel on the grounds so that's potentially in the works.’
Katriona got a flock of hens a few years ago after she cared for them for a neighbor.
But her own birds have automatic sliding doors from their hen house into their run, and are kept separate from other visiting flocks.
Katriona said: ‘Hens can't be mixed because a flock is a flock and they're very territorial. So they're away from mine out of sight. It’s a very peaceful, non-stressful environment.’
She said: ‘They do get quite pampered actually. On a cold morning they have poultry porridge for breakfast then some Layers Mash [chicken feed] or pellets.
‘In the afternoon they get a treat of corn which keeps them warmer throughout the night. Of course, any treat has to be given in moderation otherwise they won't eat their food! The disco ball and classical music is still going strong too!’
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