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My Daughter Loves Pigeons. My Wife Wants to Keep Us Away From Them.
Slate • • health
Key Points:
- A parent wrote to Slate’s Care and Feeding column concerned about their wife’s reaction to their 4-year-old daughter feeding and holding pigeons in the park, fearing disease risks.
- The columnist explained that while pigeons can carry diseases, the main risk comes from exposure to dried droppings rather than direct contact, and hand-washing after handling birds is important.
- Feeding pigeons is not illegal in NYC but discouraged because leftover food attracts rats, leading to mixed opinions on whether children should be allowed to feed or hold pigeons.
- The columnist suggests both allowing and forbidding pigeon feeding are reasonable, but encourages the family to find a balanced approach that respects the child’s interest and addresses health concerns.
- Additional parenting advice teased involves a strained relationship with a mother-in-law who has not communicated for weeks due to unmet vacation expectations.
