Feeding Pet Mynah Birds

Knowledge of bird nutrition is constantly evolving, both from heightened awareness of the importance of nutrition and from increased research into birds’ different needs. As with all other animals, birds need a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Different species of birds often require different foods.

Mynah birds are members of the passerine family of birds and are related to starlings. Mynah birds eat a variety of foods and have relatively short digestive tracts when compared with members of the psittacine (parrots) family of birds. This combination means that food moves quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, so mynah birds eat often and produce frequent and often very loose droppings.

Should I be concerned about what my mynah bird eats?

Too often, bird owners assume they are feeding a proper diet to their pets when, in fact, they are not. Poor nutrition is a common cause of many health problems in birds. Mynah birds have specialized dietary needs. Before you consider having one as pet, you should be familiar with their nutritional requirements so your mynah bird can be healthy and thrive.

What do wild mynah birds eat?

Mynah birds are native to India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. Mynah birds are omnivorous. In the wild, they eat a huge variety of fruits, insects, larva, amphibians, lizards, small snakes, eggs, baby birds, and baby rodents, and they scavenge for garbage occasionally. Mynah birds are not seed-eaters in the wild.

What should I feed my mynah bird?

Mynah birds do not chew/bite their food into pieces like parrots do. For this reason, they should be provided with food in small, easy-to-swallow, bite-sized pieces. Foods with higher iron content (or that increase iron absorption) should be fed sparingly, if at all, to a mynah bird. Consult your veterinarian with any questions about your mynah bird’s health and nutrition.

Pelleted Diets

Pellets have been developed to meet all your bird’s nutritional needs. Pellets are nutritious, easy to feed, and since pellets are dry, bird droppings tend to be less messy when birds eat a pelleted diet.

Mynah birds are very sensitive to the iron levels in their food. They should be offered pellets, typically labeled for soft bills, that are low in iron. Some pellets, while nutritious, may contain too much iron. For mynah birds, excessive iron may contribute to the development of iron-storage disease, also called hemochromatosis. This disease is potentially fatal, as the abnormal storage of excess iron in the liver can cause liver failure and abnormal cardiac function. Pellets for soft-billed birds are safe to feed mynahs if they contain less than 90-100 mg of iron/kg of diet. Check with your veterinarian for their recommendations regarding appropriate pellet choices for your mynah bird.

Fruits and Vegetables

A large variety of diced fruits should be offered to a mynah every day. Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly to remove chemicals and cut into manageable pieces, appropriate to the size of the bird. It is not necessary to remove the skin. If organic produce is available, it is preferable.

Fruits and vegetables should be offered in a separate dish from pellets and other foods. If your bird appears to develop a particular fancy for one food item, reduce its volume, or stop feeding it temporarily to promote the consumption of other foods. Some suggested fresh food items include sweet banana, apple, date, grape, strawberry, peaches, mango, papaya, pineapple, pear, plum, and watermelon.

Small amounts of diced vegetables may also be offered, but vegetables should not comprise a large portion of a mynah bird’s diet. Pale vegetables with a high-water composition, such as iceberg or head lettuce and celery, offer very little nutritional value and should not be offered.

The acid in citrus fruits increases iron absorption, so mynahs should not be fed citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. If they are fed citrus fruits, it should be done so sparingly, as the high acid content may upset their digestive system. Raisins are also high in iron and should be fed rarely or not all. Remove the seeds in fruits before they are fed to birds, as they may be toxic. Onions and avocado are potentially toxic to birds and should never be fed to a bird.

Avoid giving green vegetables that are high in iron, such as peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Consult your veterinarian if you encounter any problems with the diet or health of your bird.

Water

Fresh, clean water must always be available. If the quality of your tap water is poor, consider using bottled water. Clean your bird’s food and water dishes every day with hot, soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly before using them.

Can I feed my mynah bird people food?

As a rule, nearly any wholesome, nutritious food that you and your family eat can be offered to your bird in very small quantities. Processed foods like cookies, crackers, or chips are not nutritional treats and should be avoided. Chocolate, products containing caffeine (coffee, tea, soda), and alcoholic beverages should never be offered.

Occasionally, some birds even enjoy a small amount of lean cooked meat, fish, egg yolk, egg white, or yogurt. Dairy products should be consumed only in small amounts, as birds are lactose intolerant. Mynah birds may sometimes also enjoy pinky mice or insects such as mealworms, wax worms, and crickets.

Does my mynah bird need extra vitamins, minerals, or amino acids?

In general, mynahs eating a base diet of pellets, along with a variety of other foods, do not need supplements. Specific vitamin or mineral supplements may be more important at various times during a bird’s life (e.g., calcium supplementation is required when laying eggs). Your veterinarian can help you assess your bird’s diet and its particular needs.

Does my bird need gravel or grit?

Controversy exists over the need for gravel or grit. Previously, it was believed that grit was necessary for the mechanical breakdown of food in the gizzard to aid digestion. This is true for birds like pigeons and doves that ingest seeds whole, shell and all. However, since mynah birds are not intended to be fed seeds, they should not need grit for digestion. Birds that eat this way do not need grit in their diet. Some birds will have problems if grit is overeaten. Grit may also be a source of zinc toxicity.

What pointers should I remember about feeding my mynah bird?

• Always monitor the amount of food eaten every day, by each bird, especially if multiple birds are housed together.
• Offer fresh water every day.
• Offer fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
• Be careful not to overfeed vegetables and fruits with a high iron content.
• Clean all food and water dishes daily.