Who was the coldest last night?

[Tom]

Didn't I read somewhere on this forum that it was a custom to put an live animal, mostly a cat I think, in the body of a building? I can't remember when, why etc. but I'm sure I remember something about it. Maybe that's what happened to the bird?

 

[Feltwell]

I've read something about that as well, not sure if it's an old wives tale or not. My house is likely to be far too new for that though - it only dates from 1899.

 

[robgil]

dried cats have been found in the walls of old houses. ive got a photo of one somewhere from a houser in lavenham , i shall try and fish it out.

 

[Flyfisher]

I've also found numerous birds in various nooks and crannies, mostly chimneys, but none looked as if they had been deliberately placed there.

Sadly, we've yet to find anything interesting hidden away anywhere. I didn't even find a long-lost hoard of Iceni treasure when digging all our new drains. Very disappointing.

 

[Penners]

Didn't I read somewhere on this forum that it was a custom to put an live animal, mostly a cat I think, in the body of a building?

Er, a cat yes. Live? I don't think so!

 

[Penners]

Our garden has never been more popular with the local wildlife.

Ditto - mostly rats!

However, my trusty air gun has been broken out from its summer resting place. One rat down, a fair number to go. :twisted:

 

[Tom]

Didn't I read somewhere on this forum that it was a custom to put an live animal, mostly a cat I think, in the body of a building?

Er, a cat yes. Live? I don't think so!

I'm sure I've read somewhere about them being placed in there live. I'll try to remember where I've seen it.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Well done on that rat frontline Mr P! My rats are going to be very surprised that their food source has suddenly dried up. :twisted:

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Was -9oC here this morning when I was feeding the animals. Strangely doesn't feel cold - because very little wind, and very dry atmosphere.

 

[TomW]

Given the presumed dearth of Eagle Owls in the countryside, I'm told a Jack Russell makes a mighty fine rat-catcher. Whether it can tell the difference between a rat and a chicken I couldn't say :twisted:

 

[Tom]

Didn't I read somewhere on this forum that it was a custom to put an live animal, mostly a cat I think, in the body of a building?

Er, a cat yes. Live? I don't think so!

I'm sure I've read somewhere about them being placed in there live. I'll try to remember where I've seen it.

Yes, here you go http://www.misterdann.com/earlyargreatcatmassacre.htm Just over half way down it says;

"To protect a new house, Frenchmen enclosed live cats within its walls – a very old rite, judging from cat skeletons that have been exhumed from the walls of medieval buildings."

WARNING
Please don't look at this website if you will be upset about nasty things happening to cats

 

[Penners]

Frenchmen enclosed live cats within its walls

Oh well - the French...!

However, if he was determined to terminate a cat with extreme prejudice, I believe your average Monsieur would be more likely to bake it en croute than waste it within the walls of a building.

But which wine to serve with it? How about CHATeauneuf du Pape?

 

[JoceAndChris]

:evil:

 

[Tom]

Joce, please don't be tempted to even take a peek at that website!!

 

[Tom]

Frenchmen enclosed live cats within its walls

Oh well - the French...!

However, if he was determined to terminate a cat with extreme prejudice, I believe your average Monsieur would be more likely to bake it en croute than waste it within the walls of a building.

But which wine to serve with it? How about CHATeauneuf du Pape?

:lol: :lol: Yes, I know....the French. I knew I'd read it somewhere, though

 

[philpjuk100]

This is Odie,I have read the above to him and he says he will leave the leg on the kitchen table alone now!

 

[worms]

Given the presumed dearth of Eagle Owls in the countryside, I'm told a Jack Russell makes a mighty fine rat-catcher. Whether it can tell the difference between a rat and a chicken I couldn't say :twisted:

Equally, I've heard that Eagle Owls have difficulty telling the difference between rats and Jack Russells!

 

[TomW]

Equally, I've heard that Eagle Owls have difficulty telling the difference between rats and Jack Russells!

:lol: :lol: Or small ginger kittens :twisted:

 

[Tom]

I have a Jack Russell, who lives outside, and keep totally free range chickens. When he first came here, at about 10 months old, he spent most of his time with me. If I was doing the stables, he'd be in there with me. If I was hanging washing out, he be with me tied to the tree. If I was feeding the poultry, he was there watching tied to the gate. Very, very soon he got the idea of who lived here, what happens day to day and what was expected of him. After only about 1 week he was ok to be let loose all the time. Now he's absolutely fine with the poultry but, at the same time, he's a fantastic ratter!!! He's never once even looked at any of the poultry in the wrong way. He's a little treasure

 

[emmagaffney]

Travelled 200 miles to do some more renovation on cottage, after checking on BBC weather that there hadn't been any snowfall in Builth Wells. Turned out to be minus 17 C and at least 6 inches of snow. Carrying one 8x4 plasterboard up the 1 mile hill track was one too many. Exhausted...