Children chasing pigeons. Abusive?

[S1ur]

It is time for the Mumsnet verdict.

Say your piece.

Pigeon lands on head of bemused 18 month old with no reason whatsoever. It has big claws. Mum of child hits it with an umbrella. Abusive?

despite thinking they are evil beasts with narsty feathers and flappy bits [am a leetle bird phobic]. children should NOT chase pigeons. they, the birds, do not like it. it makes them flappy.
and if children think it is o.k to chase pigeons how do they discriminate between them and ducks or parrots or maccaws?

scummymummy - that was the start of my love of Tom Lehrer songs, hearing that one on Radio 4 years and years ago. One of my faves of his (although I do really like the Masochism Tango, and We'll All Go together when we Go)

ScummyMummy, agree, and yes am old enough. My Dad had his records - yes, records

took DS (3yrs) t Brighton to visit my dad a couple of months ago. "Grandad took me to beach" he told me the afternoon we were due to leave. "we chase the pigeons. We've got to kick them!" needless to say, the walk to the station to come home was eventful with DS running in opposite direction to me so he could kick pigeons...I don't like him doing it but I let him because I hate pigeons am I the only one who thinks they're basically just rats with wings?!

I'm scared of most things that fly. So birds, pidgeons, butterflies, bats etc. Pleeeease don't let your kids chase the pidgeons, they fly at me and make me flinch and I get odd looks in the street....although if they're chasing them away from me that's OK. I don't mind young kids doing it if they're not trying to hurt them. I don't do it, and have to divert round them

Mine chase pigeons. They also chase geese back into the river. I discourage neither.

All animals deserve respect.

pigeons should be chased by small children. older ones have a different agenda i think.

i absolutely hate pigeons. they are really revolting.

MY dd has to learn Tom Lehrer's Periodic Table son for Science homework this week!

oh seeker, NO! That's going to be really hard - how old is she? I loooove that song but wouldn't stand a hope of remembering it all!!

She's 12. It was more a "see how much you can learn" than "a learn this or die" They are having huge fun trying!

I remember my sister trying to learn it when she was doing chemistry at school.