Southern Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa indica)

Southern Hill Myna Gracula religiosa indica
Name	Southern Hill Myna
Name Lat.	Gracula religiosa indica
Family	Starlings and Allies
Family lat.	Sturnidae
Order	Perching Birds
Order lat.	Passeriformes
Origin	South Asia
Climate	Subtropical - tropical
Diet	Myna soft food, fruits
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cavity nest
Life Span	12-15 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B
Metric Units
Size	24 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	200 x 100 x 150 cm
US Units
Size	9.4"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	80" x 40" x 60"

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the small beos is in India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. There the sociable animals live mostly in small groups in the evergreen forest areas but also in tree plantations.

Cage size

The recommended minimum cage size is 2.0 x 1.0 x 1.5 m (L x W x H) for 1-2 animals. The cage size must not be undercut even in case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, assuming species compatibility, the footprint must be increased by 25%. The cage must be placed in a bright, draught-free and quiet place, have a rectangular base and be opaque on one side

Maintenance

The floor must be covered with sand, wood granules or a similar absorbent material and cleaned regularly (thin droppings). They need a sleeping house and a bathing facility must be available at all times. At least 3 perches made of wood or branches of different thickness and height must be installed in such a way that they can only be reached by flying, a flight distance as long as possible is created, and soiling of the feed and water containers is also prevented. The room temperature must not fall below 15 °C.

Diet

They are soft feeders. The species-specific food supply consists of commercial "soft food for beos" or "Beo dry food" (beads, granules), which must be soaked in water. In addition, they need soft, chopped fruits, such as bananas, grapes, figs, cherries, berries, and grated apples and pears, etc., and occasionally raisins soaked in water or fruit juice as a treat. Live insects, such as mealybug larvae, house crickets, zophopas, etc., are also readily accepted, depending on the individual. Especially for rearing young, the feed should be enriched with hard-boiled, crushed hen's egg, lime and vitamins. Vitamin lime, shell grit and fresh forest soil are needed as digestive aids. Drinking water must always be available in stable, open containers and, like feed, must be offered fresh daily in clean containers

A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

Males and females are colored the same and can hardly be distinguished externally

They breed in nest boxes or in hollowed tree trunks. Leaves and small branches are brought in for padding. The clutch consists of 2-3 eggs, the brood duration is 13-14 days. Young birds must be raised so that they are species-specific. Hand rearing may be done only in justified exceptional cases. The life expectancy can be 15 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported in writing to the competent authority immediately after the start of keeping. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Protection of species: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it in a safe place!

Important

Beos can imitate various sounds and also the human voice. They may only be kept in pairs or in a group. During the breeding season, due to their aggressive behavior towards beos or other small birds, they can only be kept in pairs.

When kept in outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter with a floor area of at least 1 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 15 °C and the furnishings must correspond to those of cage keeping

Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to the light spectrum of natural sunlight must be provided in rooms, including shelters. The lighting duration must be between 8 and 14 hours per day. The day-night rhythm must be observed. An adequate room climate must be provided. If caged, they should be allowed regular indoor free flight. The health condition of the birds should be checked daily

Further literature can be found in your pet store

References

Text: Othmar Sieberer; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Kleinvögeln; ROBILLER (1986): Lexikon der Vogelhaltung, Edition Leipzig; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF