Mynah birds are intelligent, social, and highly vocal birds known for their ability to mimic human speech. Belonging to the starling family, they are native to Asia and can be found in forests, urban areas, and open woodlands. Mynahs are lively, curious, and require plenty of interaction, making them popular as pets. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, insects, and specialized pellets, and they thrive in spacious enclosures with mental stimulation. With proper care, mynahs can live up to 15-20 years, forming strong bonds with their owners.
1. Spacious Housing & Cage Setup
Mynah birds are highly active and require a large cage or aviary to move around freely. The cage should be at least 3-4 feet wide, 2 feet deep, and 3 feet tall, with horizontal bars for climbing. Multiple perches of different sizes help exercise their feet and prevent foot problems. Place the cage in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. Mynahs also enjoy free flight time outside the cage in a safe, enclosed space.
2. Balanced Diet & Nutrition
Mynahs require a softbill diet, meaning they do not eat seeds like parrots. Their diet should mainly consist of:
Pellets formulated for mynah birds (60-70% of their diet)
Fresh fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, pears, papayas, carrots, and leafy greens
Protein sources like live or dried insects (mealworms, crickets, black soldier fly larvae)
Cooked rice, pasta, or boiled eggs as occasional treats
Fresh, clean water, which should be available at all times
Avoid chocolate, avocado, caffeine, dairy, salty, and high-iron foods, as they can be toxic to mynahs.
3. Socialization & Mental Stimulation
Mynahs are highly social and require daily interaction to stay happy. They enjoy talking, mimicking sounds, and playing with interactive toys. If left alone for long periods, they may become bored, stressed, or develop behavioral issues. Providing foraging toys, mirrors, swings, and voice training keeps them mentally stimulated. Talking to them regularly helps strengthen the bond and enhances their speech-learning abilities.
4. Hygiene & Grooming
Mynah birds love bathing daily, so provide a shallow water dish or mist them with lukewarm water. Bathing helps keep their feathers clean and prevents skin irritation. Their cage must be cleaned daily, including changing the food and water bowls, removing droppings, and disinfecting perches. Trimming their nails when overgrown ensures foot health, but avoid wing clipping, as they love flying.
5. Health & Common Issues
Mynahs are generally hardy but can suffer from some common health problems, including:
Iron Storage Disease (Hemochromatosis) – Caused by excessive iron intake, leading to liver damage. A low-iron diet is essential.
Respiratory Infections – Can occur due to poor ventilation, cold drafts, or dusty environments. Keep their surroundings clean and warm.
Obesity – Overfeeding or lack of flight space can lead to weight gain, so provide a balanced diet and room for exercise.
Parasites & Fungal Infections – Mites, lice, and fungal infections can affect mynahs if their cage is not properly maintained.
Signs of illness include fluffed feathers, lethargy, breathing difficulty, appetite loss, or unusual droppings. If any symptoms appear, consult an avian veterinarian immediately.
6. Breeding & Nesting Care
If breeding mynahs, provide a nesting box in a quiet area of their enclosure. The female lays 2-3 eggs and incubates them for about 14-17 days. The parents should be fed a high-protein diet, including insects and calcium supplements, to support chick growth. Baby mynahs require soft, easy-to-digest food and constant care until they fledge.
Mynah birds are intelligent, social, and playful companions that thrive with proper care and attention. Providing them with a spacious environment, a well-balanced diet, mental stimulation, and regular interaction is essential for their well-being. Their ability to mimic sounds and form bonds with their owners makes them delightful pets, but they also require consistent care and commitment. By ensuring a clean habitat, a nutritious diet, and regular health monitoring, you can help your mynah live a long, happy, and healthy life. With the right care, these fascinating birds will reward you with their charming personalities and entertaining vocal abilities for years to come.
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Our specialty is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.
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