How long do Mynahs live?
Hill mynahs commonly live 12-25 years in captivity with good care.
What do Mynahs eat?
Feed a softbill diet of fruit (grape, apple, melon, papaya), soaked high-protein pellets or dog-food kibble, live insects, and some cooked egg; avoid avocado, chocolate, and caffeine. They need animal protein and moisture-rich food, not seed. Clean dishes frequently because the diet spoils fast.
Mynah cage and daily life
Provide a cage at least 36 x 24 x 48 inches (90 x 60 x 120 cm) with 3/4-1 inch bar spacing, plus 2-3 hours out of the cage and a daily bath (they love water). Keep the room warm and reasonably humid; avoid dry, cold drafts. Keep away from kitchens (Teflon/PTFE fumes are lethal).
Common mistakes with Mynahs
Classic errors are feeding seed instead of fruit/insect softbill diet, skipping frequent dish cleaning (bacterial crop infections), and cold/dry housing. Nonstick-fume exposure and toxic foods are acute killers.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Feeding seed instead of a fruit-and-insect softbill diet, causing deficiency.
- Not cleaning dishes frequently, leading to sour crop and infections.
- Keeping in cold, dry air when mynahs need warmth and humidity.
- Exposing the cage to Teflon/PTFE fumes or toxic foods like avocado and chocolate.