The new ladies of the manor

I picked up some chicken while I was in town yesterday:

two Leghorns and a Rhode Island Red/Hampshire cross. They're three months old and large enough – I hope –

to hold their own against Minnie and Peach.

Tradition dictates that I name my chickens after the female characters in whichever novel or dramatic series 

I happen to favor at the moment, so the new girls shall be named Lady Mary, Edith, and Mrs. Hughes.

They quickly settled into the manor and seemed pleased with their new accommodations...

...until they heard the pig on the other side of the wall.

Mrs. Hughes: We're not in Downton Abbey anymore.

Edith: Interesting art collection.

Lady Mary: Those do not appear to be chicken bones. I think we're safe.

I will introduce the new girls to Minnie and Peach overnight, under cover of darkness when everyone is sleeping and no one will care. 

There might be some bickering and a few petty jealousies when morning comes, but hopefully no back-stabbing. 

That kind of drama is best left to their namesakes.