Unfortunately, our Poultry Boarding facility remains closed due the APHA restrictions and we do not expect this to change in time for the Christmas Holiday Season:
In Feb 2025 Defra banned all gatherings of poultry nationwide and classified a ‘Hen Hotel’ as such a gathering. Upon contacting APHA for clarification we were advised that this was the correct interpretation of the rules and that continuing with this part of our business would mean that we may be sent to prison or have to pay an unlimited fine. We therefore had to close this part of our business.
In October 2025 the Nationwide ban was lifted and gatherings allowed under licence. Having read the licencing requirements, it appeared a new licence would be required every time a new hen arrived for a holiday, and the associated requirements made it impossible for a boarding facility to operate. We therefore contacted APHA for clarification but have to date not received a reply.
Since then the latest (November 2025) Nationwide Housing Ban has been introduced meaning bird gatherings (hen hotels) cannot be held in areas where you must house your birds (Nationwide).
We are really sad that we cannot continue to offer this service to our customers, especially those that have relied on us for many years. We will of course update our website should the situation change, and in the meantime we hope you can find someone with poultry keeping experience to look after your hens in your garden whilst you are away.
Our best wishes
Kerry and Jason
