Chickens were often used as a form of currency in bygone days.
In the ancient Celtic world, it was believed one could give a chicken to the gods in return for many things, including a good harvest. In the Hebrides, the spirits of the earth and air were appeased every quarter by throwing a cock, hen or duck outside the croft door. And woe betide anyone who neglected to pay their dues, as misfortune was sure to follow.
By medieval times, peasants were only allowed by the lords of their land to keep a certain amount of livestock – and much of what they produced went back to their landlord in the form of tythes. This was particularly true of chickens, and it’s reckoned that just before the Black Death (1348-1351) some 60 per cent of all birds produced throughout England were handed over to the unfortunate peasant’s landlord as part of their annual rent.
Denne historien er fra April 2017-utgaven av Your Chickens.
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Denne historien er fra April 2017-utgaven av Your Chickens.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The Egg Man's got it cracked
David Herbert, nicknamed The Egg Man, tells you all you need to know about showing eggs
Slasher Battles On
Slasher the ancient Araucana is looking good, but looks can be deceptive
Flock Dynamics: A Guide To Social Hierarchy
Julie Moore takes a look at how the pecking order is established
In Harmony With Nature
Susie Kearley talks to Anya Lautenbach whose home shows her love of gardening and chickens
Then There Were None...
The Mystery of the Phantom Egg Eater
Off To Market
The French love buying chickens at local markets.
Early Learning
How chickens adapt, despite lessons from early llife
Poultry Providers
Kim Stoddart explains the benefits of buying in stock from one of the bigger, national suppliers…
Drop In Egg Production
Drop In Egg Production
Ideal Broody Time
Ideal Broody Time