Zoo database

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.

Insects
Insects
Invertebrates / crustaceans
Invertebrates / crustaceans

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).