Isn’t it curious how the media just won’t shut up about pigeons? It’s always “pigeons this, pigeons that”—as if they are the prime evil in the world of bird-related lung damage. You’d think these flying “feathered menaces” were plotting world domination one rooftop at a time! But amidst all this anti-pigeon noise, there’s a glaring omission: what about the chickens?
The Great Bird Bias
In case you haven’t noticed, pigeons have a PR problem. The media is obsessed with the fact that these “rats with wings” are dropping their business all over our roofs, windows, and statues, potentially causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), or more famously, pigeon breeder’s lung. But here’s the kicker—chickens and other birds can cause bird fancier’s lung, too!
Yet, when was the last time you heard a headline screaming: “Chicken Coop Menace Wreaks Havoc on Public Health”? That’s right, you haven’t. It seems the humble chicken is spared from the hysteria, not because it’s any less dangerous but because it simply can’t fly. Poor chickens, forever grounded, get a free pass because they’re incapable of bombing your balcony with droppings from the sky.
Pigeons: The Flying Scapegoats
Pigeons, on the other hand, can fly and “grace” your roofs and windows with their…contributions. Maybe that’s what makes them public enemy number one. Pigeons have the audacity to use their wings to reach places humans consider sacred: rooftops, window ledges, and statues of historical figures. But what can you expect from a bird that thrives on human trash and treats our cities as its personal, flying buffet?
But let’s be real—if chickens could fly, they’d be doing the exact same thing. Imagine the chaos! Every time you step outside, you’d have to dodge “chicken bombs” from the sky. In this alternate reality, chickens would be vilified just as much, if not more, than pigeons. But because they’re stuck on the ground, only plaguing those who willingly walk into their coops, they escape media scrutiny.
The Roof Matters!
The difference is all about altitude—pigeons live the high life, perched on your roof, which makes them visible, while chickens are relegated to the dirt. The media loves a good villain, and since flying shit grabs more attention than ground-level droppings, pigeons make for a much juicier target.
So the next time you see a pigeon fluttering about on your balcony, know that it’s not inherently more dangerous than its feathered cousin, the chicken. It’s just cursed by its ability to soar—and poop—from above.
The Lesson? Watch the Skies
In the end, it’s not really about the bird. Whether it’s a pigeon, a parrot, or even a chicken, the real issue is what you’re breathing in. So, while the media might have you believe that pigeons are out to destroy your lungs and ruin your day, remember that chickens would do the same if they could.
But hey, at least chickens know how to stay grounded… literally.
Next time you see a pigeon in the headlines, give a thought to the underappreciated chicken. They might not make it to your roof, but they sure know how to make an impression on the ground!
