Weird items children swallow go on display

A chicken claw and a toy sheriff's star are just some of the weird items that have been removed from the throats, nostrils and ears of children by doctors at Boston Children's Hospital and are included in a macabre, yet important, display.

A visitor's first reaction might be to laugh at the framed collection of dozens of items that date to 1918 and hangs at the entrance to the hospital's ear, nose and throat department, but it's also a reminder to the parents who walk past it every day to remain vigilant.

"It is definitely something that catches the eyes of parents and makes them think twice about what their kids are exposed to," said Dr. Anne Hseu, a head and neck surgeon who has removed Christmas ornaments, toys, carpet tacks and other items from young patients.