Northern bald ibis
Geronticus eremita
Natural diet Northern bald ibis
The Northern Bald Ibis are carnivorous birds that live in dry habitats. They mainly feeds on insects, spiders, scorpions and small invertebrates such as snails. Occasionally, small vertebrates are consumed.
Feeding advice Northern bald ibis
Feed quantity per day
2-4%
Sample percentage calculation
If an animal weighs 1,2 kg and eats 3% of its body weight, it will get
1,2 x 0,03 = 0,04 kg feed in total per day
Feed composition
10% Insects and other invertebrates
90% Concentrates
Proportions (fresh product)
0,1 x 0,04 kg = 4 g insects and other invertebrates
0,9 x 0,04 kg = 32 g concentrates
Feeding advice Northern bald ibis
Feed quantity per day
2-4%
Sample percentage calculation
If an animal weighs 1,2 kg and eats 3% of its body weight, it will get
1,2 x 0,03 = 0,04 kg feed in total per day
Feed composition
10% Insects and other invertebrates
90% Concentrates
Proportions (fresh product)
0,1 x 0,04 kg = 4 g insects and other invertebrates
0,9 x 0,04 kg = 32 g concentrates
Diet Suggestions
Recommended
Ibis pellets
Variety of insects
Day-old chicks (breeding season)
Not recommended
Bread
Common diseases
An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:
- Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism
Additional advice
- Divide the “Feed quantity per day” over at least two feeding moments per day.
- During the breeding season food should be offered ad libitum and contain 15% day-old chicks instead of concentrates.
- Avoid feeding bread as the high starch content may cause intestinal disturbances.
- Stimulate foraging behaviour by using feeding puzzles and scatter feeding (read more about feed enrichment and foraging behaviour).
Diet Suggestions
Recommended
Ibis pellets
Variety of insects
Day-old chicks (breeding season)
Not recommended
Bread
Common diseases
An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:
- Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism
