Mynahs make fascinating pets and are the best mimics in the world of birds. Categorized amonst the softbills, these playful birds require special care, especially when it comes to diet.
Mynahs make fascinating pets and are the best mimics in the world of birds. Categorized amongst the softbills, these playful birds require special care, especially when it comes to diet. It is also important to note that they are very active birds and require a lot of space. If you think a mynah is the bird for you, then read on.
It is important that you obtain your mynah bird from a reputable domestic mynah breeder, so as to avoid supporting wildlife smugglers, who are responsible for the deaths of vast numbers of birds captured in the wild. Because mynahs can, and should, only be obtained through domestic breeders, it may be a challenge to obtain one; however, there are a number of online resources that will assist you in locating a good breeder.
The most popular pet mynah species are the Greater Indian Hill mynah and the Java Hill mynah. Java Hill mynahs are the larger of the two and are notable for having a clearer, more human-like voice. On the other-hand Greater Indian Hill mynahs are known to be easier to handle. Mynahs do well on their own, but a pair is also acceptable. They tend to make more noise when there are two, and do better in an outdoor aviary.
It is advisable to house your mynah in a large cage with a few perches made of natural branches, as they do not climb but only fly and hop. A cage with a grated floor is best as it allows for easy cleaning of the newspaper lined catch tray. A shelf and a nest box will make your mynah feel right at home. The mynahs cage should be put in a busy part of the home as they are gregarious and enjoy company. Avoid drafty spots and direct sunlight. Include a bathing dish in the cage, along with a water bottle or dish. Be sure to keep both sources of water clean. Supply your very active bird with toys such as mirrors, bells, swings, bottle caps, paper and so forth. Be careful of rope toys as these may catch the tongue of your mynah.
Mynahs require a specialized diet as hemochromatosis is common. This is a disease that causes too much iron to collect in the birds liver, resulting in the bird being poisoned. As such, the mynah must be fed a low iron diet, preferably softbill food that has been formulated to meet their needs. Avoid things such as parrot food, red meat, acidic fruits, seeds and live foods. Recommended fruits to accompany the pelleted diet include apple, banana, melon and grapes, with the seeds removed. Keep the food dishes clean and the cage free of uneaten food items that may spoil. You may wish to give your mynah distilled water if you are concerned about the iron content in your water.
While there are number of considerations to take into account before bringing a pet mynah into your home, if you do decide to do so you will find it a truly rewarding experience.
Mynahs only fly and hop, so it’s best to keep them in a large cage with a few perches made of natural branches. The ideal cage has a grated floor to make cleaning the newspaper-lined catch tray simple. A nest box and a shelf will help your mynah feel completely at home. Since mynahs are gregarious and enjoy company, their cage should be placed in a busy area of the house. Avoid drafty spots and direct sunlight. Add a dish or bottle of water and a bathing dish to the cage. Be sure to keep both sources of water clean. Give your active bird toys like bottle caps, paper, mirrors, bells, swings, and so on. Use caution when handling rope toys as they could snag your mynah’s tongue.
Mynahs are the best mimics in the bird kingdom and make fascinating pets. Among the softbills, these gregarious birds need particular attention, particularly with regard to nutrition. It’s also critical to remember that they are gregarious birds that need a lot of room. Continue reading if you believe a mynah is the right bird for you.
A trustworthy domestic mynah breeder is where you should get your mynah bird in order to prevent aiding wildlife smugglers, who kill a great deal of birds that are caught in the wild. It might be difficult to find a mynah because they can and should only be acquired through domestic breeders, but there are plenty of internet resources that can help you find a reputable breeder.
Mynahs require a specialized diet as hemochromatosis is common. This illness results in an excessive buildup of iron in the bird’s liver, which poisons the bird. The mynah must therefore be fed a low-iron diet, ideally softbill food that has been specially prepared to suit their requirements. Steer clear of items like red meat, parrot food, acidic fruits, seeds, and live foods. Suggested fruits to go with the pelleted diet are melon, apple, banana, and grapes (seeds removed). Make sure the food dishes are spotless and there are no food remnants in the cage that could go bad. If you are worried about the amount of iron in your water, you might want to give your mynah distilled water.
Even though there are a lot of factors to think about before getting a pet mynah, you will find that it is a very fulfilling experience if you do.
Common Health Problems
Mynahs are more likely to experience iron storage disease, hemochromatosis, and other liver issues. Hemochromatosis in mynah birds appears to be associated with high dietary iron intake. Be mindful of how much iron you include in your diet.
Speech and Vocalizations
If you decide to keep a mynah bird as a pet, be aware that it will do more than just mimic your speech. These birds can make a variety of vocalizations, such as screeching, whistling, and other strangely human-sounding sounds.
Common and hill mynahs are well known for their ability to mimic human speech. They can learn up to 100 words. Repetition and patience are the keys to teaching your bird to communicate. Select the word or phrase you want it to learn, say it aloud, and repeat it several times.
FAQ
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