It's simple — just get in touch to check availability and arrange your drop-off date. On the day, bring your hens or ducks in a suitable carrier and we'll take care of everything from there. Your flock will be settled into their own private Eglu coop and walk-in enclosure, kept together as a family group for the duration of their stay. We'll handle feeding, cleaning, egg collection and daily welfare checks, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing your birds are in safe hands.

Absolutely — we actively encourage it. We want you to feel completely confident leaving your birds with us, and there's no better way than seeing the facilities in person. Simply get in touch to arrange a convenient time and we'll be happy to show you around.

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for school holidays, the summer months and Christmas/New Year when spaces fill up quickly. For peak periods we'd suggest booking several weeks/months ahead. Don't worry if your trip is last minute though — it's always worth getting in touch to check availability.

Never. Each flock stays together in their own dedicated Eglu coop and secure walk-in enclosure for the entirety of their stay. We never mix birds from different households — this is important both for the wellbeing of your hens and for biosecurity. Your girls will have their own private space throughout.

Yes — we can accommodate up to 4 ducks in their own dedicated walk-in run. Duck boarding is relatively hard to find, so do get in touch early if you need to arrange care for your ducks.  

We use Omlet Eglu coops specifically because they're designed for thorough cleaning.  Coops are cleaned and disinfected between every booking, and your birds will have fresh bedding throughout their stay. The enclosures are also set in a well-shaded area to keep your flock comfortable in warmer weather.

APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) registration is a legal requirement for all poultry keepers in the UK, including those with small backyard flocks. It's free and straightforward to do online. All birds boarding at Hetty's Hennel must be registered and compliant before their stay. If you're unsure whether you're registered, you can find out more and register at gov.uk.

Just bring your hens in a suitable carrier or box. We provide everything else — feed, bedding, water and daily care. If your birds are on a special or supplementary diet, feel free to bring their usual food and we'll make sure they stick to it. It can also help to let us know a little about their routine, any quirks or health considerations, and whether they have a particular favourite treat!

We're based in Coolham in rural West Sussex, but our clients come from a wide area — many travelling up to an hour or more to board their birds with us. We regularly welcome hens from across West Sussex, East Sussex and Surrey, including Horsham, Billingshurst, Petworth, Chichester, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Uckfield, Crowborough and beyond. Good hen boarding can be hard to find, and many owners feel the journey is well worth the peace of mind.

 If we have any concerns about a bird's welfare during their stay, we'll contact you straight away. In the event that veterinary attention is needed, we will always act in the best interests of the bird and keep you fully informed.

Yes — all bookings require a non-refundable deposit to secure your dates. For stays of up to 21 days the deposit is £30, and for longer stays it's 20% of the total booking cost. The remaining balance is due prior to drop-off, and we'll be in touch a few days before your arrival date to arrange this. Please note that as spaces are limited — particularly during school holidays — we'd recommend booking and paying your deposit as early as possible to avoid disappointment.