Downhen Abbey

Meet the girls of Downhen Abbey!

One of the first things my Mom and I decided to do when the barn was approaching completion was to go get some chickens!   We had them when I was a kid and have some really fond and funny memories.  

Our dear friend Elizabeth George was also an inspiration, she had cleverly named her hens Violet, Daisy and Mrs. Hughes.  As Downton Abbey fans ourselves, we had to continue the tradition!

We brought the girls home on April 12th, 2014, they were just 3 days old!

Mrs. Patmore:

Mrs. Patmore is a Light Brahma and is our largest chicken, she is so good-natured and is the leader of the hens.  She is "mother hen" to Lavinia and takes such good care of her!

Lavinia:

Lavinia is our littlest hen, she is a Golden Spangle and is a bit shy.  She has always stuck very close to Mrs. Patmore and you can usually find her close by her side or tucked under her wing.  She may be the smallest, but she is the most athletic!   She was the first to fly up to their chicken coop roof.

 Lady Mary:

Lady Mary is our sweet Speckled Sussex and was the first hen to really bond to us. She is very verbal and used to sing the most beautiful song as a chick. Don't let her sweet song fool you though!  If you are a bunny she will probably chase and peck at you!  

Lady Edith:

Lady Edith is our Buckeye and the first to approach you, she is the most curious and competitive of the group.   Aptly named, she is most competitive with Lady Mary. She is still growing and is catching up to Mrs. Patmore.

The girls may be shy at first, but as you can see, it doesn't take them long to warm up to you!