Is it true that if pidgeons eat rice their stomachs will explode?

Question

Heard it from the simpsons =P

Answer 1

No. This silly myth "pops" up ocassionally,but thats all it is,a myth...

Answer 2

Rice only expands when it is boiled in water. It is a grain. I've fed my pigeons with rice for years and nothing's happened to them. What do you think pigeons ate before men and cicites came along? Grains. They didn't conquer 6 out of the 7 continents if they were so easily killed.
Since you are a fan of the Simpsons, you should realise by now, it is only fact if Lisa Simpson says something. I can bet good money she didn't say this. LOL

Answer 3

I would never try this to find out, but, I was told that if you give them quick rice, you know, like minute rice, then when they drink water they will expand and blow up. As for regular rice, or already cooked rice. No. that is not true. I give my birds cooked rice all the time. Rice that takes a longer time to cook, I don't know about but can't imagine it bothering them. Add water to it and see what happens in a dish.

Answer 4

My father in law said it does. They were over ran with over 100 pigeons that were eating their grass seed.
They kept putting rice out every day and now they rarely see a pigeon.
Whether it was from the rice or not I really don't know, but he thinks it was.

Answer 5

This sounds like a job for the Mythbusters!

Answer 6

Hmm fraid so - the rice expands (as it does when cooked)

Sounds horrid!

Answer 7

I don't know. I do know that if you give alka seltzer tablets to seagulls they explode!

Answer 8

No, it's an urban legend.

Answer 9

JEEZ! yes ti does. What kind of loser would say it's fun *cough*

Answer 10

bread soaked in bicarbonate of soda will also do it.