A Comprehensive Feeding Guide For The Mynah Birds

The Mynah birds are an omnivorous, softbill bird that loves to eat fruit as well as dine on reptiles, insects, baby birds, small rodents and discarded waste from human habitation. They have a short digestive tract; therefore, these birds eat a lot and likely have frequent and often loose droppings.  These birds need a proper balance of proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water in their diet.

Ideal nutrient percent for Mynah Birds

The ideal nutrient percentage for the Mynah bird is a mix such as 18 percent protein and 8 percent fat and very small percentage of iron. These birds can easily develop iron storage disease; therefore, low iron foods are the best.

Good fruits for Mynah Birds

Fresh fruits are a large part of the Mynah’s diet. You can give your bird bananas, diced apple, dates, oranges, pineapple, pears, plums and watermelon.

Good vegetables for Mynah Birds

Diced vegetables are good for Mynah’s, and these can be added to their diet. You should add these vegetable in small amounts, as these are not as important as fruits.

Pelleted Diets for Mynah Birds

Pellets are the ideal diet, which is nutritious as well as easy to feed. Since pellets are dry, the dropping of bird tends to be less messy. But, keep in mind that pellets should not be the only diet for a mynah bird. Some pellets have excessively high values of iron that may contribute to iron storage disease or hemochromatosis in the mynah birds. You can check with your vet for the newest iron content recommendations.

Protein required for Mynah Birds

The Mynah birds can eat insects such as mealworms, crickets, and wax-worms. Occasionally, they can also be given day old-mice.

Vitamin supplements for Mynah Birds

A Mynah bird eating 75 – 80% of its diet in the form of pelleted food may not need vitamin, minerals or amino acids supplements. If your bird is tested for the vitamin deficiencies, ask your veterinarian to suggest the best supplement for your bird.

Water

You should give fresh and clean water to your bird. If the quality of your tap water is not good, you may consider the use of bottled water. Furthermore, all the dishes must be cleaned thoroughly on daily basis with soap and water.

Some other points to remember:

You should keep in mind the following points:

• You should always monitor the amount of food eaten by bird
• Mynah birds do not chew/bite their food; therefore, try to give food in small easy to swallow, bite size pieces
• You should offer fresh water every day
• Try to offer a variety of fresh foods every day
• You should offer fresh fruits and vegetables to the birds
• Due to short digestive tract, these birds have a very quick transit time
• Try to give food in small amount
• You should clean all the dishes of food and water daily