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Maybe they simply get hooked on the nicotine? Used cigarette ends are pretty much oozing with all the nasty stuff, it wouldn't surprise me if some of that ends

Maybe they simply get hooked on the nicotine? Used cigarette ends are pretty much oozing with all the nasty stuff, it wouldn't surprise me if some of that ends up in their system, and they develop a liking for it. That's supposedly the case for NYC pigeons [0], funny in a weird way but actually quite depressing. I wonder how many rats and other rodents are also hooked on cigarette butts? [0] http://johnjpowers.blogspot.de/2013/09/pigeons-addicted-to-nicotine.html http://johnjpowers.blogspot.de/2013/09/pigeons-addicted-to-n...

deleted 9y ago
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marcoperaza 9y ago
That website is obviously a joke: >”We immediately noticed a large majority of the pigeons display external signs of chemical addiction. They are often found standing in a group outside of a building. They twitch often and look around with sharp turns of the head. They have anti-social tendencies and are quick to fly when confronted. Their breath smells terrible and they leave droppings everywhere they go. After thorough research we have proven that 98% of pigeons in New York City are hooked on nicotine. Each of the birds in the study reek of smoke and are constantly fidgeting and adjusting their wings. We have also observed the hoarse, raspy mating calls of these nicotine-addicted birds." >The Mayor has started a new program to help these city birds break their addiction. If you notice a pigeon displaying signs of nicotine addiction call 311 to report it and get it the help it needs.
mrob 9y ago
That article is a joke, and there's no real study (it's not even named). The final sentence is obviously not serious: "If you notice a pigeon displaying signs of nicotine addiction call 311 to report it and get it the help it needs."
- freeflight 9y ago
  I figured there was something off about it due to lack of a source, also couldn't find any studies like that when searching, that's why I put the "supposedly" in there. Still kinda odd that nobody seems to have actually looked into a connection like that.

deleted 9y ago

[deleted]

marcoperaza 9y ago

That website is obviously a joke: >”We immediately noticed a large majority of the pigeons display external signs of chemical addiction. They are often found standing in a group outside of a building. They twitch often and look around with sharp turns of the head. They have anti-social tendencies and are quick to fly when confronted. Their breath smells terrible and they leave droppings everywhere they go. After thorough research we have proven that 98% of pigeons in New York City are hooked on nicotine. Each of the birds in the study reek of smoke and are constantly fidgeting and adjusting their wings. We have also observed the hoarse, raspy mating calls of these nicotine-addicted birds." >The Mayor has started a new program to help these city birds break their addiction. If you notice a pigeon displaying signs of nicotine addiction call 311 to report it and get it the help it needs.

mrob 9y ago

That article is a joke, and there's no real study (it's not even named). The final sentence is obviously not serious: "If you notice a pigeon displaying signs of nicotine addiction call 311 to report it and get it the help it needs."

freeflight 9y ago
I figured there was something off about it due to lack of a source, also couldn't find any studies like that when searching, that's why I put the "supposedly" in there. Still kinda odd that nobody seems to have actually looked into a connection like that.