Yes, Silver-eared Mesias can eat egg yolks. You can sprinkle egg yolks on their rice-based food, which primarily serves to supplement their protein intake. As omnivores, Silver-eared Mesias have a highly adaptable diet, and providing a balanced nutritional plan contributes to their overall health and vibrant plumage.
Silver-eared Mesias are widely distributed across China and cherished by bird enthusiasts for their striking feathers and melodious songs. They typically inhabit broadleaf forests, bamboo groves, and shrublands in hilly areas, preferring to live in groups. Their natural diet consists of various insects, seeds, and fruits. Feeding them egg yolks is acceptable as it aids in supplementing protein. Additionally, offering them mealworms, which they enjoy, can provide a more balanced nutritional profile.
Feeding and Diet Guidelines for Silver-eared Mesias
I. Feeding Utensils
In northern regions, common feeding utensils include coarse bamboo cages and coarse ceramic pots. More refined setups involve lacquered cages and matching fine ceramic pots, often in sets of two or four. The size and depth of the utensils should correspond to the cage and the birds' needs. Too deep, and food may spoil; too shallow, and the birds might go hungry.
II. Diet
A scientific approach to feeding not only ensures the birds' health but also keeps their feathers vibrant. Given their omnivorous nature and preference for insects, fruits, and seeds in the wild, pet owners should develop a suitable diet based on these natural inclinations. In the north, egg millet or a 3:7 mix of egg yolk and cornmeal is common, but this might lead to indigestion or feather discoloration. A more suitable southern recipe includes mixing a half-kilogram of cornmeal with four raw eggs, baking it dry, and then adding 200 grams of peanut powder. You can also feed them fruits, berries, and insects.
III. Feeding Methods
When feeding fruits, it's best to avoid those with high water content, as these can cause diarrhea. When offering insects like mealworms, you might hand-feed them to strengthen your bond with the birds. This method can also help you monitor their eating habits more closely.