How Much Does a Mynah Bird Cost?
The Mynah bird is considered to be an affectionate bird that has the ability to talk and mimic human sounds.
Originating from South Asia, particularly India, a few Mynah species are kept in captivity.
How much do mynah birds cost?
On average, the cost depends on the store/breeder, location, color, species, age, size and the skills it has. A talking Indian Hill Myna can retail for $400, while the Thai Hill Mynah bird retails for $350. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $350 to more than $1,500+ for a common breed or much more for one that is considered to be rare. However, before considering a purchase, be sure to check out your local laws and regulations to ensure it is legal to own one.
Refer to our table below to see what prices we had found online at the time of this publishing:
| Species | Prices Found |
|---|---|
| Pair of White Edge Mynah Birds | $3,500 |
| Albino Hill Mynah | $1,800 |
| Black Collared Mynah | $1,600 |
| Grey Head Mynah | $1,200 |
| Common Mynah | $550 |
| Red Eyed Hill Mynah | $3,000 |
| Indian Hill Mynah | $700 |
| Large Crested | $250 |
For instance, on BirdsNow.com, breeders have listings that range anywhere from $350 to more than $1,800.
According to a forum member on this BackyardChickens.com forum thread, they said you should be prepared to spend about $800 to $1,200.
WikiHow.com claims the price of a Mynah can cost anywhere between $500 to $1,500.
The common Mynah species
Bali – One of the world’s rarest bird species and also among mynah species is the Bali. This species is a white Colored Mynah known for its black-colored mask; this species is now an endangered species due to the destruction of its natural habitats.
Bank -The Bank Mynah is known for digging nesting holes in earthen banks.
Common/Indian – The Common Mynah or Indian Mynah, which comes from South Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and some parts of Indochina, are often considered a pest because it was introduced into non-native habitats to help curb insect population, according to TheSpruce.com.
Crested – The Crested Mynah originates from southern China and Taiwan and is the only kind of mynah to breed in North America.
Hill – The Hill Mynah is perhaps the most popular type of mynah because this is the species that has the best skill to learn how to talk and mimic. It has a shiny black body, reddish-orange beak, yellow skin behind its eyes and an extended tissue of skin behind its head. The bird has yellow legs and feet with a whitish patch on its underwings. The Hill Mynah primarily eats fruits and will be the most popular Mynah bird kept in captivity.
Papuan and Golden – The Papuan and Golden Mynah are colorful, and fruit-eating species that are widely found in New Guinea.
White-vented/Javan – The White-vented or Javan Mynah, which originates from East Pakistan and some islands of Indonesia.
What are the extra costs?
Keep in mind that this type of bird cannot be found at your local pet store and will often have to be purchased from either a localized breeder or one found online. Because of this, you may want to budget for shipping fee.
A birdcage, equipped with perches, toys and bowls for food and water, will be necessary, as with any pet bird. Depending on the size and setup, this can easily cost well into the mid-hundreds of dollars. Experts recommend a cage at least four feet long and two feet high. The bird will need enough space to hop from one end to the next with ease.
Foods, such as veggies, fruits, and the occasional pellet diet, will need to be budgeted for. Healthy vitamin supplements are highly recommended as well, and bird owners recommend setting aside close to $50 a month for a well-balanced, healthy diet.
As with any pet bird, routine/surprise vet visits need to be factored in as well. A vet visit, even without any testing, can cost more than $50.
Think about acquiring a pair of Myna birds instead of just one as in their natural habitat, these birds live in pairs, or in flocks numbering up to 30 birds. The bird, as you can see, is not used to being alone.
While optional, DNA testing will be required in order to determine the sex of the bird.
Tips to know:
Most mynahs live in forests, trees, shrubby woodlands and can also be located in suburbs.
The bird is medium-sized, broad and a strong-looking sturdy bird bearing a strong beak with strong legs and a short tail. The bird makes various sounds such as squeaks, whistles, loud chatters, and different imitated noises.
Be aware of what you say around your Myna bird as it can be the perfect imitator, often mimicking voices and accents in an almost perfect way.
Make sure the Myna bird is healthy one before you purchase. A healthy mynah has smooth, shiny feathers and alert eyes. It will hop around easily and has a straight erect back. If the mynah has fluffed feathers, is unusually quiet, has a hunched back, droopy eyes and stays in a corner, the bird is more than likely sick.
Do not feed avocado as it is toxic to the mynah. Other fruits and veggies must be cut up into small bite pieces for easy chewing.
With the proper care, a Mynah can live more than 10 years while in captivity.
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Average Reported Cost: $0
