Mynah Bird Diet

According to Pet Place, mynahs are described as the best talking birds in the world. They are known for mimicking human speech clearly and effectively. The mynahs most commonly kept as pets are known as the Hill Mynahs, which are species that include the Greater Indian Hill Mynah and the Java Hill Mynah. Learning more about the mynah's diet is an integral part of mynah bird care.

  1. Features

    • The mynah is a member of the softbill group of birds, referring to the fact that their diet is composed mostly of soft foods. They are primarily fruit eaters in the wild, and they eat seeds, shrubs and flower nectar. They have also been known to eat insects and small lizards in the wild.

    In Captivity

    • Mynah birds do very well on pellet diets that are formulated especially for their species. Unlike parrots, which subsist off of seeds and nuts, mynah birds will thrive on a diet that is based on pellets, fruits and vegetables. Their pellet diet needs to be low in iron, as they are prone to hemochromatosis, which is a iron storage disease. In addition to their pellets, mynahs should be given between 1/2 to 1 cup of fruit per day.

    Considerations

    • Mynah birds do not tear at their food before they eat it. Instead, they will tend to swallow bits of their food whole. Because of this, any fruit that you give them should be cut up into small, bite-sized pieces that they can swallow. They may be offered small chunks of strawberries, blueberries and dates, and they can also be given carrots, corn and sweet potatoes that have been cut up into thin slices.

    Feeding Routine

    • Fresh water and fresh food should be offered to the mynah bird everyday. The food and water dishes should be cleaned regularly, as mynahs are messy birds. If a mynah bird proves to be a fussy eater, take time to try it out on different fruits and vegetables until you find something that they are interested in.

    Warning

    • Although mynah birds eat insects in nature, it is not necessary for them to have live foods. According to the Mynah Bird website, though worms and insects can occasionally be provided as treats, giving them too many can result in hemochromatosis. They should not be fed apple seeds, red meat, rhubarb, caffeine, sugar, fat or alcohol.