Are (real, live) Pink Flamingos Legal in California and Where to Purchase?

At first the idea seemed far-fetched, but now it seems like the perfect accompaniment to a tiki style backyard. What could a better bit of exotica than flamingos. They don't seem that difficult to take care of: a lagoon, some industrial flamingo feed and some raking up of flamingo poop.

Do cats eat them?
I did a quick search, but all I found was "Omar's."

Flamingos are my favorite bird....they are so beautiful. I have fantasized of having a flamingo farm (but can you imagine the poop factor)!!!

I also can't find anything about raising flamingos. Seems odd though, since some people in California have Emu farms. Why can't a flamingo farm exist too.

Here are two interesting articles I found on flamingos - There must be a reason we don't see them in southern cal. However they are in zoos across the country!

It is interesting question? and look forward to learning more! It does seem like an awesome addition to the backyard! Good luck!
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5010011.html

http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=65&articleID=875

On 2007-08-06 12:59, Unga Bunga wrote:

Okay, first. "That chick is a man, man!" That's from an Austin Powers movie.
Now that I've got that out of my system, here's what I know about flamingoes:
The ones kept at Sea World San Diego have one of their wings cut. The distal bone in the wing on the left side is removed when the birds are very young. By removing what amounts to half of the wing, they are unable to fly away (because they will otherwise).
Not sure if there's a place that you can buy a flamingo, but the people at Omar's Exotic Birds might be able to tell you more info.

On 2007-08-05 16:55, VampiressRN wrote:
Seems odd though, since some people in California have Emu farms. Why can't a flamingo farm exist too.

There isn't enough meat on a flamingo? Badumbump.

Trying to freak out the spinster?

That would be neat. Walking your 6 foot flamingo around town.

"So, this lady and her flamingo walk into the bar......"

http://cdbaby.com/cd/wikiwakiwoo
track #15

........the key to understanding your pet Flamingo

[ Edited by: HelloTiki 2007-08-13 00:15 ]

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. :)