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 iron storage disease (<100 ppm iron) and fruit are generally fed. Fruits high in vitamin C should be avoided, because these facilitate iron absorption.

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

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Joeke Nijboer, PhD; Teresa L. Lightfoot, DVM, DABVP (Avian)