Man sets up hotel for chickens

A Cornish man has set up a hotel for chickens to provide five star service for pampered hens while their owners are away.

David Roberts, 31, came up with idea for the Chicken Hotel in response to the growing popularity for people to rear their own hens.

Many people thought he was joking at first but he now runs a thriving business on his farm in Helston, and has bookings as far ahead as Christmas.

During the day the feathered 'guests' range freely in the fox-proof grounds before being rounded up and put to bed in their luxury coops at night.

Mr Roberts, who is helped by Ariel Roukaerts, 31, built the accommodation himself. Rates start at £2 per coop per night plus 75p per chicken, including 'meals'.

He even transports the birds to and from their homes if the owners require it, and offers a nursery for chicks and an incubation service for eggs that need hatching.