Nutrition in Mynahs

Mynah birds of the family Sturnidae are omnivorous. Preferred food items in the wild include fruits, a variety of insects, and small reptiles and amphibians. In captivity, a low-iron pelleted diet to prevent life-threatening iron storage disease (≤ 100 ppm iron) and fruit are generally fed. Fruits high in vitamin C should be avoided because vitamin C facilitates iron absorption.

During breeding, insects such as mealworms are preferred by mynah parents for feeding their young. Calcium gut-loading or dusting insects with calcium powder will help prevent hypocalcemia in chicks.