Talking Mynah in Captivity

The talking mynah reared in Baker's Hill, Puerto Princesa City.

The talking mynah is a well-sought bird by pet enthusiasts. It can mimic any sound it hears, even the sound of a horn of a hawking pan de sal vendor.

As a result of the high demand for talking mynah, the local population of birds are gradually declining in number although no study was conducted to support this belief. The IUCN classifies the talking mynah under Least Concern.

In Palawan, Philippines where the bird could be found, transport of the talking mynah is prohibited by virtue of the Philippine Wildlife Act.

The picture above was taken from Baker's Hill in Palawan through plastic net at f2.9 at 1/250s.


Quick Tips in Rearing the Talking Mynah


If you do intend to take care of a talking mynah and if it is not prohibited to do so in your place, be guided by the following tips:

• Talking mynahs can be reared for more than ten years.
• The talking mynahs require lots of attention from its caretaker.
• Do not mix the talking mynah with other birds especially the smaller ones. They are bound to attack and kill those birds.
• It is best to get it young at 6-8 weeks if you intend to train it. This requires talking to the mynah constantly. Teach good speech, not swearing.
• Talking mynahs are known to kill themselves if left alone for long. Ideally, they should be reared in pairs.
• The talking mynahs can be fed fruits, cooked vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, papaya, and rice but not seeds because they cannot digest cellulose.
• Make sure that you make water available to your pet mynah.