A woman has opened an all-inclusive, five-star hotel for CHICKENS - where classical musical plays and "no cocks" are allowed.<br /><br />Katriona Shovlin, who has eight of her own birds, launched her woman-only 'hennels' after noticing a gap in the market.<br /><br />She allows hens and ducks to her retreat in Upchurch, Kent - but has had to refuse roosters due to noise problems and the subsequent re-homing required.<br /><br />She charges £3 per bird per day - for which they get soft bedding, a full menu and unlimited access to a Wendy house and swings.<br /><br />Soothing tunes also play on a loop - including Classic FM and the soundtrack from the hit film Up - and there is a dust bath where the chickens can wash.<br /><br />Animal science grad Katriona, 31, also offers 'chick-in' visits where she goes to look after larger flocks that can't be moved from their surroundings.<br /><br />Katriona, who also does admin for a limousine company, said: "We launched in September and it's been really good so far.<br /><br />"My first booking was a 'chick-in visit' which went really well and I've just had some hens come to stay for three weeks.<br /><br />"I would say the food products I use and activities I have make it five-star,<br /><br />"[It has] everything else that they need to be happy and safe away from home. It's just a nice area with lots of activities.<br /><br />"They have a swing they can swing on, a disco ball, classical music - it does act like a holiday resort."<br /><br />Katriona got a flock of hens a few years ago after she looked after them for a neighbour.<br /><br />She said: "My neighbour would go away on business quite often and she would always ask me to look after them.<br /><br />"In the end she asked me if I wanted them - she only had two left. <br /><br />"I jumped at the chance - although my partner wasn't so pleased! <br /><br />"I'm obsessed with them. They're like little dinosaurs. <br /><br />"They're just really lovely, endearing and quirky."<br /><br />She then realised there was a business opportunity in chicken care - and opened her hennels.<br /><br />But her own birds now have automatic sliding doors from their hen house into their run, and are kept separate from other visiting flocks.<br /><br />Katriona said: "Hens can't be mixed because a flock is a flock and they're very territorial.<br /><br />"So they're away from mine out of sight. It's a very peaceful, non-stressful environment."<br /><br />Katriona said her first guests - who stayed for three weeks - left relaxed and rejuvenated.<br /><br />She said: "It was lovely, they were busy little hens, always up to something and inquisitive which is what a chicken should be.<br /><br />"They do get quite spoilt actually. <br /><br />"On a cold morning they have poultry porridge for breakfast then some Layers Mash [chicken feed] or pellets.<br /><br />"In the afternoon they get a treat of corn which keeps them warmer throughout the night. <br /><br />"Of course, any treat has to be given in moderation otherwise they won't eat their food!"<br /><br />She has had to refuse any cockerels due to the problems that are caused with noise.<br /><br />Her Facebook page says "hen parties only, no cocks".<br /><br />Katriona said: "Cockerels are lovely and they're just doing their job.<br /><br />"But the only problem is even where I am, which is quite rural, if people complain about the noise and authorities come round and they tell you to get rid of it, you're in the cycle of re-homing."<br /><br />But she says she is happy to look after any female flock for as long as is required - and will take ducks too.<br /><br />She said: "I haven't had in yet, but I do have some coming in soon. <br /><br />"I make some adaptations for ducks, putting the sleeping quarters on the floor, pools of water and ramps to get in and out.<br /><br />"As long as it doesn't clash with another booking I can take any flock in for as long as needed.<br /><br />"And I'm always there - this is 24-hour care, I don't just go out there once a day."<br /><br />Katriona said her favourite thing about chickens is their ability to make her smile.<br /><br />She added: "Us humans are quite lucky to have the privilege of having pets and chickens are no different.<br /><br />"They're so rewarding and that's priceless."<br /><br />You can find out more about Katriona’s 'hennels' here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093158051128.
