tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post9056316940600635328..comments2024-03-29T08:29:20.833+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Answers to some queries re Aspects of British County Rare Breeds … Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-50794756563051238892017-06-08T15:09:58.669+01:002017-06-08T15:09:58.669+01:00Hi Deniz - yes Goose Fairs were held from about 1,...Hi Deniz - yes Goose Fairs were held from about 1,000 years ago ... still popular - they had to have stamina!! Getting to market was an essential - so they could make some money and others could eat ... from Middle Ages time ... thanks for your visit ... cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-73963970129287122182017-06-08T10:03:41.286+01:002017-06-08T10:03:41.286+01:00I guess I knew that horses and cattle and so on wa...I guess I knew that horses and cattle and so on walked to markets, but birds did too?? I had no idea they had so much energy and stamina.<br /><br />I like the idea of eating them to help conserve them. Yum! :PDeniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-57681936024317036782017-05-26T08:44:30.866+01:002017-05-26T08:44:30.866+01:00Hi Sharon - it'd be good if your hubby does kn...Hi Sharon - it'd be good if your hubby does know the stats for the USA - it'd be interesting to post them here ... <br /><br />I found the whole exercise of the A-Z Rare Breeds Survival Trust fascinating - so much to learn ... so I'm delighted you enjoyed this post - cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-67716936515375194272017-05-25T13:16:29.423+01:002017-05-25T13:16:29.423+01:00Wow, I'm surprised by the large numbers of bre...Wow, I'm surprised by the large numbers of breeds of cows, pigs, and sheep. I shall have to ask my husband if he knows the stats for the USA. <br /><br />Wonderful informative article!Sharon K. Mayhewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07799235347319851345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-12845426538784398662017-05-25T08:03:51.625+01:002017-05-25T08:03:51.625+01:00@ Juliet - I think the tarring of the feet helped ...@ Juliet - I think the tarring of the feet helped the geese and turkeys as it protected them as they had to walk a long way - I hope we're kinder today. No worries - the internet can be frustrating at times ... but it's lovely to see you visiting here and having the Bach must be wonderful ... <br /><br />@ Tyrean - I learnt an awful lot doing these posts ... and know I'll be back to re-read and refresh my memory. There are certainly a great many things to understand about rare breeds ... and I haven't touched on so many of them - but am delighted you enjoyed the post ... <br /><br />@ Silvia - The A-Z is frenetic ... but it's good to see you here and getting a flavour of my theme etc. The practices of the old days ... must be so interesting to learn about - at some stage I must learn more. I'm glad the explanation for "Sweating like Pig" made sense from its connotation. Yes the Rare Breeds Trust is doing a good job ... <br /><br />@ Inger - well I think the eating of them is the important part - we then keep the breed alive, as we need more of them. Old Spot Pigs are in dire straits ... I'd thought that breed was on the up, but apparently not ... <br /><br />Thanks for your compliment re my posts - appreciate your thoughts ... <br /><br />@ Birgit - We eat what's available don't we ... and peacocks were available, when perhaps other birds weren't so popular with the nobility. Food is as we want or need it ... but am glad you appreciated the post ... <br /><br />@ Madeleine - I haven't seen zebra being farmed ... but they eat horse-meat in France ... so not much different probably.<br /><br />Yes "Sweating like a Pig" comes to the fore for us ladies of a certain age ... what an interesting bit of information about your grandmother never perspiring and thus bees apparently didn't want to sting her ... <br /><br />Cheers to you all - thanks for visiting - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87983649760271065632017-05-24T14:40:10.672+01:002017-05-24T14:40:10.672+01:00Goodness Zebra farming. That is a surprise. Love a...Goodness Zebra farming. That is a surprise. Love all the facts too. <br /><br />I often wondered about sweating like a pig now that I am of a certain age! ;) My grandma never perspired and bees never stung her, either. We wondered whether there was a connection.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-90071292855102354652017-05-21T17:04:35.912+01:002017-05-21T17:04:35.912+01:00I would not want to ever eat peacocks...to pretty,...I would not want to ever eat peacocks...to pretty, fat or sausage....utter yuck to me. Very informative Birgithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09439720285857050428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-4002626826931996772017-05-21T15:28:22.206+01:002017-05-21T15:28:22.206+01:00This is so interesting. Too bad we have to eat the...This is so interesting. Too bad we have to eat them to keep them going. I really appreciate your research to help us all become better informed, not only on this, but on so many subjects over the years. Thanks, Hilary. Ingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924736131382149056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-329468205975687992017-05-19T19:08:40.619+01:002017-05-19T19:08:40.619+01:00I missed the AZs this year - may have read a post ...I missed the AZs this year - may have read a post or two -- so this was an interesting read. We sure had a way with certain creatures back in the day. Glad we moved away from some of those practices. And now I know where "Sweating like a pig" comes from. :) Good for those people who work to save rare birds, and animals in general. <br />Silvia Writeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14437144517262211712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-75117493922675897592017-05-19T18:58:45.250+01:002017-05-19T18:58:45.250+01:00It's fascinating to see how much there is to l...It's fascinating to see how much there is to learn about rare breeds of various types of animals. Despite raising a handful of cows for beef, rabbits for fun (I named them), and having neighbors who raised turkeys, ducks, and geese, I know there's a great deal more to know about various breeds and all of their distinctive features.<br />Thanks for sharing!Tyrean Martinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15356604721537744361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-39012907853594579512017-05-19T08:27:23.830+01:002017-05-19T08:27:23.830+01:00Hilary, this is fascinating. What stood out for me...Hilary, this is fascinating. What stood out for me was that poultry would be walked to market! - and the tarring of feet. I think we are kinder to creatures these days.<br />Sorry I'm not visiting so much but Blogger won't give me notifications any more as it won't recognise my email. And when I'm away at the bach the broadband isn't up to it.<br />But it's always nice to drop in again and see what you are up to.Juliethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01542985048406828693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-48361129436537670432017-05-19T07:18:48.981+01:002017-05-19T07:18:48.981+01:00@ Keith - no worries ... these were just some extr...@ Keith - no worries ... these were just some extras which I'm glad you enjoyed ... <br /><br />@ Sherry - I knew there must be lots of breeds of the different animals - but posting about them has allowed me to learn lots ... and open my eyes to other things ...<br /><br />@ CD - the numbers seem to be taking everyone by surprise ... now I'm sure you could come up with an excellent story about a medieval poultry herder driving his birds along the drove ... stopping to feed at enclosure pens ... <br /><br />@ Julie - I'm glad I highlighted the number of breeds still around ... similar to dogs .. and remember I'm only talking Rare Breeds ... there are 217 dog breeds of all types in the UK ... <br /><br />The lop-eared pigs are ringing the happy vibes ... while the fact pigs don't sweat, yet there's this term 'sweating like a pig' has interested everyone ... <br /><br />@ Bookworm - I know you've commented on other posts - the A-Z Reflections and the "We Are The World, In Darkness Be Light" ... all I've done here is try to bring a few things together ... <br /><br />I remember you raised heritage chickens and geese years ago and realised it is critical we keep them to help with our own survival in due course ... <br /><br />Cheers to you all - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-81684410827955451202017-05-19T00:05:28.095+01:002017-05-19T00:05:28.095+01:00I thought I commented - if I did already, you have...I thought I commented - if I did already, you have two comments from me. I am thrilled to see the interest in rare breeds your A to Z posts have uncovered. It makes me so happy, having raised heritage chickens and geese, years ago, before there was such a concept as "heritage" or rare breeds. Saving these old breeds is critical to our survival, I think. Thank you!!! The Unknown Journey Ahead agingonthespectrum.blogspot.combookwormhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06589840841266507266noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-32930058511880551782017-05-18T18:35:23.672+01:002017-05-18T18:35:23.672+01:00LOL I never would have guessed there were so many ...LOL I never would have guessed there were so many kinds of sheep. I honestly just kind of thought a sheep was a sheep but that was silly since I have seen different kinds. Still, a surprise there are so many breeds!<br /><br />The lop-eared piglet is too cute! I've wondered where the sweating like a pig comes from - interesting. I wouldn't have guessed that answer. <br /><br />Thanks for this fun post!Julie Flandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003737491313673214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-49011460465397477362017-05-18T17:44:21.643+01:002017-05-18T17:44:21.643+01:00Holy... I thought a sheep was a sheep! I mean, I g...Holy... I thought a sheep was a sheep! I mean, I guess I knew there were different breeds, but no where near that many.<br /><br />Also, that story about herding poultry is amazing. It makes perfect sense, but I had never heard about it before. Now I want to read a story about a harrowing 13th century poultry drive, a-la a western cattle drive across the Old West. Braving the elements, evading poultry rustlers... it would be epic!C.D. Gallant-Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01080400727631587101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87770301792918262017-05-18T15:46:14.598+01:002017-05-18T15:46:14.598+01:00I had no idea there were that many breeds of sheep...I had no idea there were that many breeds of sheep - or cows for that matter. Very informative post!Sherry Ellishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844837212122243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-17110781261866531662017-05-18T10:01:41.160+01:002017-05-18T10:01:41.160+01:00Sorry, I'm a bit late to the party - a busy ti...Sorry, I'm a bit late to the party - a busy time right now. What an interesting post- lots of additional information. Long but worth every word!<br /><br /><a href="http://keithsramblings.blogspot.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">Click to visit Keith's Ramblings!</a> Keith's Ramblingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13564578491652021492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-34694195741827644982017-05-18T06:54:24.166+01:002017-05-18T06:54:24.166+01:00@ Nick - it's funny how these 'phrases'...@ Nick - it's funny how these 'phrases' come about isn't it ... and those zebra stripes ... black with white ... and exactly lots of little extras ... <br /><br />@ Jean - thanks so much ... it's easier to write things up and add to the mix ... yes sun-glassed pigs with their ears ... funny old life we live. Oh no ... poor poultry - their feet were being protected.<br /><br />@ Christine - I agree farming zebras does seem weird to me - and I've yet to see a farm ... and whether we have enough space for them ... I'm not sure about. Fantastic about your son and his interest in sheep ... as they've got the farm unit at school ... enjoy looking around the posts ... <br /><br />@ Teresa - I know .. the lop pigs are pretty amazing ...just 'loppy'! Glad you enjoyed the post ... <br /><br />@ Crystal - yes quite a few breeds of sheep ... lamb isn't everyone's taste - but is part of our English life ... and it works for us. Oh I'll have bacon too!! I'll join you there ... <br /><br />@ Elsie - no worries ... food always uses rather more of our senses than we'd wish sometimes ... the thought of a sausage now - would be quite nice - but way too early, sadly!<br /><br />Thanks to you all - enjoy your day and good to see you - cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-4061955951392513872017-05-17T18:16:49.706+01:002017-05-17T18:16:49.706+01:00I feel terrible, but as I read this post, it made ...I feel terrible, but as I read this post, it made me hungry for lunch. It must've been the picture of sausage at the end. I love me some brats!<br /><br /><a href="https://helpingpartnersofsexaddictsheal.org/" rel="nofollow">Elsie Amata</a><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-76240310526346433782017-05-17T17:03:18.014+01:002017-05-17T17:03:18.014+01:0077 types of sheep? That's insanity. I don'...77 types of sheep? That's insanity. I don't like eating lamb, so it seems all the more preposterous to me, but whatever works, eh? Now give me bacon any day. That's right. I'll take it!Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-32632409013255995822017-05-17T16:12:31.682+01:002017-05-17T16:12:31.682+01:00I can't help it, I LOVE the Lop Pigs. hee hee....I can't help it, I LOVE the Lop Pigs. hee hee. Another incredibly informative and entertaining post. T. Powell Coltrinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160774009926623671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-49687359759440657222017-05-17T14:51:43.219+01:002017-05-17T14:51:43.219+01:00Farming zebras seems weird to me. Get follow up to...Farming zebras seems weird to me. Get follow up to your A-Z! My son has this new interest in sheep as they're doing a farm unit at school. We got a half dozen books from the library about sheep, and it's funny how it's fascinated us.Christine Rainshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08263694662585963900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-13268697627737352982017-05-17T13:53:15.459+01:002017-05-17T13:53:15.459+01:00I think you win for the best A to Z follow up post...I think you win for the best A to Z follow up post. :) I would not have thought of the big pig ears like sunglasses, but I suppose that makes sense. And also thank you for clarifying the tarring of the bird feet. It sounded cruel the first time around but much better now.Jean Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02047709505502621618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-62392004539190661152017-05-16T21:42:21.667+01:002017-05-16T21:42:21.667+01:00Interesting to read that sweating like a pig doesn...Interesting to read that sweating like a pig doesn't have anything to do with a pig, and I always thought zebras were white with black stripes. Lots of interesting add-ons to your theme!Nick Wilfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-36083412780831077882017-05-16T11:54:06.225+01:002017-05-16T11:54:06.225+01:00@ Lynn – we all need a little fat … but as you say...@ Lynn – we all need a little fat … but as you say it is tastier … brisket – sounds good!<br /><br />@ Rosey – it’s a funny life we learn about isn’t it – how we got where we are … as you say – a way is usually found … <br /><br />@ Holly – lots of ideas here about the old ways … and the tarring of feet, so the poultry can be walked to market … <br /><br />@ Beste – yes the past does tell us an awful lot … about how we got to where we are today … <br /><br />@ Kelly – the A-Z was fun … and I learnt loads<br /><br />@ Deborah – I try and answer things as I go along … not always possible, so this made sense – it is ‘funny’ to think about zebras being black with white stripes … <br /><br />@ Susan – it was a long way for poultry to walk isn’t it … I guess a few ‘shepherds’ and some guiding sticks would keep the flock together … then they’d stop and feed along the way.<br /><br />It’s possible the Americas had Spanish cattle as well as British cattle … as they did horses … <br /><br />@ Sage – did Monty Python have a sketch about the herding of poultry … I’m afraid I don’t remember that … but I’m sure they’d have done something like that … <br /><br />@ Debbie – it is interesting to write things up. Interesting to learn about how they gave their animals some protection when walking ‘long distances’ … <br /><br />@ Senco – yes the tarring of duck and other poultry feet makes sense for that walk to market. I think we are essentially proud of what we protect and look after here … Oh well done on getting organic foods from the farm and Dexter beef – it is so much better – and I bet it is tasty … <br /><br />@ Regine – thank you <br /><br />Cheers – so good to have your comments and thoughts - Hilary<br />Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.com