Handbook for Raising Common Mynas | Care and Training Guide for Talkative Myna Family Birds | ブリちょく
Birds| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Handbook for Raising Common Mynas | Care and Training Guide for Talkative Myna Family Birds
This guide explains how to raise Common Mynas and Hill Mynas. Discover their remarkable intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, learn about dietary management for these soft-bill birds that require insects, master training methods for developing their talking abilities, and get detailed tips on selecting appropriate cages and maintaining hygiene.
Key Takeaways
This guide explains how to raise Common Mynas and Hill Mynas. Discover their remarkable intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, learn about dietary management for these soft-bill birds that require insects, master training methods for developing their talking abilities, and get detailed tips on selecting appropriate cages and maintaining hygiene.
Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis) and Hill Mynas (Gracula religiosa), also known as the Hill Myna or mynah, are members of the starling family known for their remarkable mimicry abilities and intelligence. The Common Myna is characterized by its sleek gray and black appearance, while the Hill Myna is distinguished by its glossy black plumage and distinctive yellow facial wattles. Both species have long been prized as "talking birds" for their ability to precisely mimic human speech and environmental sounds.
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Appearance: Black head and breast; gray-brown underparts and back. Yellow bill and bare skin around the eyes. White patches on wings are prominent in flight
Origin: South Asia to Southeast Asia. Established as an invasive species in various regions worldwide
Lifespan: 12-25 years in captivity
Characteristics: Highly adaptable, easily acclimating to human environments. Excellent mimicry abilities
Hill Myna
Scientific Name: Gracula religiosa
Length: Approximately 29-36 cm (varies by subspecies)
Weight: Approximately 170-280 g
Appearance: Glossy black plumage throughout. White patches on wings. Distinctive yellow-orange wattles on the cheeks
Origin: Mountainous and forested regions of South Asia to Southeast Asia
Lifespan: 15-25+ years in captivity
Characteristics: Considered one of the world's most skilled mimics among birds. Can accurately reproduce pitch, tone, and timbre
Legal Status in Japan
Common Mynas are designated as "invasive species requiring special attention" under Japan's Invasive Species Act, and releasing them into the wild in Japan is prohibited. Keeping them as pets is currently not regulated, but strict management measures are necessary to prevent escapes. Hill Mynas are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), so it is recommended to keep documentation proving legal acquisition.
Housing and Environment
Choosing the Right Cage
Both species are active and require adequate flying space.
Minimum Cage Size (Guidelines)
- Common Myna: Width 70 cm × Depth 50 cm × Height 90 cm or larger
- Hill Myna: Width 80 cm × Depth 60 cm × Height 100 cm or larger
Metal cages designed for parrots and macaws are suitable. Avoid plastic cages, as they can be destroyed by the birds' beaks.
Cage Layout
- Perches: Several natural wood perches approximately 2-3 cm in diameter, positioned at varying heights
- Food and Water Dishes: Place multiple dishes. Stainless steel is recommended for easy sanitation
- Shallow Bathing Dish: Provide daily. These birds particularly enjoy bathing, especially in summer
Cage Placement
A bright living room where family gathers is ideal. As social birds, they will experience psychological stress if isolated in a separate room. However, avoid direct sunlight, direct air conditioning drafts, and cigarette smoke.
Sanitation and Hygiene
As soft-bill birds that eat fruit and insects, mynas tend to produce liquid droppings with a strong odor.
Daily: Clean and replace food and water dishes. Remove droppings from the cage bottom
Weekly: Clean and disinfect the entire cage (using pet-safe disinfectant)
Molting Season (1-2 times yearly): More frequent, thorough cleaning as feather loss increases
Diet and Nutrition Management
Dietary Management for Soft-bill Birds
Mynas are classified as "soft-bill birds" and, unlike typical fruit-eating birds, require insectivorous proteins. Additionally, they are highly sensitive to iron overload, so iron-rich foods must be avoided.
Appropriate Foods
Food Category
Examples
Percentage
Soft-bill Pellets
Roudybush, Mazuri Softbill, etc.
40-50%
Insects/Animal Protein
Crickets, mealworms (live or dried), meat ants
20-30%
Low-iron Fruits
Papaya, banana, grapes, blueberries
20-30%
Vegetables
Sweet potato (cooked), carrots, mustard greens
Small amounts
Foods to Avoid
- High-iron Fruits: Apricots, raspberries, rhubarb
- Iron-enriched Foods: Regular bird pellets often contain excessive iron
- Avocado: Toxic
- Onions, Scallions, Garlic
- Processed Foods and High-salt Items
About Iron Overload Disease (Hemochromatosis)
Mynas are prone to accumulating iron in their bodies, and excessive iron intake can lead to hemochromatosis, a fatal liver disease. Since commercially available parrot pellets often contain high levels of iron, it is crucial to select soft-bill-specific foods.
Speech Training
How Mimicry Ability Works
Hill Mynas are considered among the top avian vocalists in terms of mimicry ability. Their brain's developed "higher vocal center (HVC)" allows them to accurately reproduce the pitch, speed, and timbre of sounds they hear. While parrots "reconstruct" sounds, Hill Mynas approach the precision of "recording playback."
Common Mynas also possess strong mimicry abilities, though they do not have the same vocal range as Hill Mynas.
Training Basics
When to Start
Younger birds learn faster. The ideal time to start is around 4-6 months of age. Adult birds can still learn, but it takes more time.
Basic Steps
1. Word Selection: Start with short, easily pronounced words (such as "hello," "good morning," or a name)
2. Repetition: Use the same words repeatedly in the same situations (when greeting, when offering food)
3. Recording Playback: Record desired words and play them repeatedly during the bird's waking hours (but avoid excessive stimulation)
4. Positive Reinforcement: Enthusiastically praise and offer favorite treats when the bird correctly reproduces sounds
Effective Situations
- Greet with the same words every morning
- Say "delicious" before offering food
- Interact vocally while playing during out-of-cage time
Important Notes
- Don't force training (stop if the bird shows resistance)
- Individual variation in learning ability exists (some birds may not speak clearly)
- Birds may forget learned words, so consistent reinforcement is necessary
Health Management
Common Health Issues
Iron Overload Disease (Hemochromatosis)
As mentioned earlier, a liver disease caused by iron overload. Early symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal distension. Regular blood tests can detect iron excess early.
Respiratory Infection (Aspergillosis)
A fungal infection caused by mold. Poor sanitation and inadequate ventilation can trigger this condition.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
Monotonous diets (fruit only, etc.) can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Feeding pellets as the primary food prevents this.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Annual to semi-annual checkups with an avian veterinarian are recommended
Regular blood tests to monitor iron levels and liver function
Conclusion
Common Mynas and Hill Mynas are highly intelligent and distinctive birds capable of forming deep bonds with their owners. The joy of speech training is one of the great rewards of keeping these birds. However, special attention to dietary management (low-iron, insectivorous diet) and rigorous sanitation practices is essential, as their care differs significantly from that of typical parrots and macaws. Be sure to understand the legal considerations (invasive species restrictions and CITES regulations) and obtain these birds from reputable breeders and sellers.
