Post #326484 by Martiki-bird on Sun, Aug 19, 2007 6:51 AM

Using living creatures as decor always sounds so much better than it really is...

I'm not sure what the exotic species laws are in California these days, but I'm guessing that flamingos are special permit only, so you probably can't keep pet flamingos. You really wouldn't want to anyway -- captive-bred flamingos are expensive (think tens of thousands); their dietary requirements are pretty complicated, expensive, and smelly (briney-shrimpy); and they are VERY cranky during breeding season. Plus, they never stand still. :)

Emus, peacocks, guinea fowls, etc. are a domestic species (not exotic), so the laws that govern their care and housing are different. However, you have to live in an area that is zoned for them.

In my opinion, flamingos aren't really TIKI anyway: none of the species naturally live in the South Pacific (South America, Caribbean, Africa, parts of Asia). If you want wildlife to add to your tropical ambiance, put up a bird feeder or two and plant butterfly-attracting flowers. Cheap, easy and very rewarding. :)