Is it true - you know - that thing about seagulls & painkillers?

Question

My husband told me the other day that if you throw a painkiller up at a seagull, their head explodes?!?!

I've never heard this before - is it true?

Answer 1

If a seagull or any other bird for that matter were to ingest alka seltzer they would die because they are not able to pass gas. I don't think if you threw a painkiller at anything their head would explode, it might give a lizard a concussion though!!

Answer 2

No. I've never seen any creature's head explode. Seagulls, like most birds, are very perceptive when it comes to catching air-born objects. They will recognise,say, bread, but not, sponge rubber, just letting it fall if thrown. They feed on fish and insects in the air and when flying at speed need to be able to catch the right things in their beaks. To a bird a painkiller (aspirin type tablet) would seem exactly like a small stone thrown up in the air. You'll never see a seagull catch a stone.

Answer 3

No.