How many of you believe that rice thrown at weddings hurts or kills birds?

Question

I am just trying to find out if the majority of people believe this myth. It would seem that almost everyone that I talk to believes that it is true. The spreading of this myth as the truth has ruined a beautiful tradition that spans ages.

For those of you shaking your heads and saying "Oh it is true rice will kill birds!", where do you get this from? Is it just because you have always heard this and therefore you assume that it is the truth? Do you somehow think that a naturally occurring grain namely rice, can kill a bird? You do realize that birds eat rice in the wild don't you? You do know that dry dog food expands too. Ever seen a dog "explode"?

Furthermore experts on birds are all willing to tell you that its a bunch of bunk. Simply search the internet.

So with all of that being said, do you STILL think that rice will kill birds?

Answer 1

I know for an absolute positive fact that it does not kill birds. I live in a small town that is surrounded by rice fields and four or five rice mills. When the rice trucks are loaded and turn corners rice spills out on the ground. We have some of the prettiest pidgins in the state. As well as other wildlife that eats the rice. Quail, and pheasants being some of them.

So anyone who believes that is sort of easily led to believe anything. As for it causing their bellies to swell up and kill them, they don't usually overeat. Unlike some people they know when to say NO!

Answer 2

No, rice will not kill birds..they eat it in nature sometimes..total urban legend. Not sure why so many people got thumbs down for giving the correct answers. Also one of the other answers is correct about some places not allowing rice to be thrown, bird seed seems to be the way to go.

Answer 3

Myth? Some of the weddings I have been too have banned rice throwing for the reason the bride or groom could slip and fall.

Answer 4

Well, I dont know about killing the birds (although this is the reason public parks dont allow it) & not to sure how much pain rice could cause (unless it was in the eye!) but what I do know is that at my wedding if anyone throws rice at me, I'll be picking it up & throwing it right back! Who wants food thrown at them immediately after their wedding ceremony? Dry or not, its food!!

Answer 5

hi there,

it is true, the uncooked rice swells in the birds' bellies more than any grain they would find in nature, that why the rice makes them burst, usually birds would not eat rice but in big towns they got rid of their natural habbits, in some cities the throwing of rice is therefore prohibited (e.g. Helsinki, Finland)

greets Anne

PS: just for your dog example, in order not to kill your dog you give him/her healthy portions don't you, if overfed they die of heart disease and not of bursting, as they cannot take stress

Answer 6

I really did think that processed rice was bad for wild birds. Good to know that it is not. I'm in charge of some things for my brother in laws upcoming July wedding. Nice to know that we can use rice. Thanks for the information.

There were packets of birdseed to throw at my wedding.

Answer 7

Buy the minute rice

-Jeff Foxworthy; Comedian.

I wouldn't want rice at my wedding. I prefer flower peddles or bubbles if nothing at all.

At my mom's wedding, they threw bird seed, to which my mom didn't like (she had it in her hair, even after showering she said).

Answer 8

Hmmmm perhaps ur right , makes sense...still we used bubbles at our wedding...lol more fun !

Answer 9

Its a myth that has been debunked on snopes.

Answer 10

I believe it hurts insurance premiums