Feathered roommates
According to reports, Brooklyn hipsters have abandoned cats and dogs in favor of renting pigeons as sustainable, low-maintenance pets. For $50 a month, you can take home a pre-vetted “urban dove,” complete with a tiny carrier and optional ironic bandana. “Cats are too mainstream. Pigeons are the future,” said one Williamsburg resident while sipping oat milk cold brew.
The service claims to rebrand pigeons as “rooftop companions” rather than “winged garbage collectors.” Each bird comes with a subscription starter kit: organic seed mix, biodegradable poop scoop, and a Spotify playlist of lo-fi beats “to vibe with your bird.” Owners are encouraged to share their pigeons on Instagram with the hashtag #PigeonPartner, which has already racked up thousands of posts featuring birds perched on fixed-gear bikes.
Locals are divided. “If these kids want to pay for birds weve been dodging since the 70s, fine by me,” said one Bushwick native. Animal experts, however, warn that pigeons are not ideal apartment pets. “They will poop on your record player. Constantly,” cautioned a vet. Still, hipsters insist the birds bring character. “My pigeons name is Dumpster Dave. He only eats vintage popcorn,” bragged one proud renter.
TikTok is flooded with #PigeonPartner content, including viral clips of pigeons wearing miniature leather jackets. One influencer was fined for attempting to bring his rented bird into a Bushwick wine bar. “Were pet-inclusive,” said the bartender, “but that bird was eyeing the charcuterie board.”
Tabloids took flight. “BIRD BROS” screamed the Post. The Daily News countered: “WINGMATES.”
Mayor Adams called it “the kind of avian entrepreneurship this city needs.” Governor Hochul muttered, “If Williamsburg becomes a pigeon sanctuary, Im banning bird leases.”
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/brooklyn-hipsters-start-renting-pigeons-as-pets/
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com/brooklyn-hipsters-start-renting-pigeons-as-pets/.
By: Annika Steinmann.
