Join Poultry Enthusiasts to Oppose AB-298 on March 26th, 1:30pm - Sacramento

 

Bill AB928, by (D) Rogers, which will place unwarranted restrictions on lawful poultry enthusiasts in California, will be heard in front of the CA State Committee on Agriculture this Wednesday, March 26th at 1:30pm. The meeting is open to the public, and will be held in room 126 of the CA State Capitol (enter through the north entrance). 

 

Poultry breeders, enthusiasts, backyard chicken folks, youth projects such as 4-H, FFA, Grange, and many more across our state are urged to attend. Your support in opposing this bill will have an impact. We need to make sure our voices and opinions are heard on what has been purposed by (D) Rogers, and the more people who are able to attend, the better.

 

Two people will represent the opposition with formal comments, but other comments may be taken. Bring your signs and wear your chicken t-shirts!

 

 

Digging Deeper - The Dangers of California Assembly Bill AB-928 Roosters: Restrictions (2025-2026)

All California poultry owners, exhibitors, and American Poultry Association (APA) and American Bantam Association (ABA) breeders need to understand the details of this bill, which is being heard during a hearing on March 26th, 1:30pm, at the Sacramento State Capitol, Room 126.

It is a Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0) which was introduced on February 19, 2025 by (D) Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa - and has progressed about 25% since that time. On March 10th, the bill was referred to Coms. on AGRI. and JUD. and is pending the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

 

Assemblymember Rogers is hoping to add Division 12.5 (commencing with Section 28800) to the Food and Agricultural Code, relating to roosters. It states, "a person shall not keep or raise more than 3 roosters per acre, or more than 25 roosters total, regardless of acreage, on any property".

 

At first glance, AB-928 appears to have good intentions; after all, who doesn't wish to put an end to cockfighting and perhaps help prevent the spread of the Avian Flu? 

The bill also contains what initially seems to be reasonable exceptions to the untrained eye:

 

(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) A person who keeps or raises roosters for purposes of food production if the person is subject to local, state, or federal inspection laws or regulations.

(2) A public or private school registered with the State Department of Education.

(3) A government-operated animal shelter.

(4) A nonprofit animal welfare organization, as defined in Section 6010.40 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(5) A 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), or State Grange project, if the 4-H, FFA, or State Grange has provided written approval for the project to the person keeping or raising the roosters.

(6) A person who meets all of the following criteria:

(A) Owns and breeds poultry for lawful exhibition in accordance with accepted poultry raising practices and all laws and regulations governing exhibition.

(B) Does not breed or raise poultry for purposes of making them available for cockfighting.

(C) Within the preceding 10 years, has not been convicted for any cockfighting offense pursuant to Section 597b of the Penal Code or Section 2156 of Title 7 of the United States Code, or any other cockfighting offense of any state.

(D) Is a certified participant in the National Poultry Improvement Plan, administered by the California Poultry Health Board pursuant to all federal and state program standards.

Reading Closer - The Dangers of Fine Print

 

The problem with much of today's legislation comes down to the fine print; what does the bill language actually say? Our Representatives are notorious for and have a long history of creating unclear,  far-reaching, and exhaustive language that can ultimately have unintended consequences. 

 

There is much to unpack, but this is where the details matter, and how AB-928 will impact all poultry owners across the state:

• The Bill version above, introduced on February 19th, has a very intentional use of the word "ALL" under section (6). The language, as written, actually states that only if a person who meets ALL of the listed criteria is exempt. 

• At closer examination of the last line (D), this bill would require anyone who raises more than 3 roosters per acre (up to 25) to be NPIP certified, something that has been optional in the past. Those who are familiar with the process of obtaining NPIP certification will share how confusing, expensive, and time consuming the program can be; think of it as a the DMV of the poultry world, which is why many forgo the certification. 

• Even if you are raising chickens as an educational project, you will also be required to have written approval (5) by said organization. This could create not only an administrative burden for these organizations, but an additional "hoop" to jump through when a family considers participating on a youth breeding project. 

• What is considered "lawful exhibition"? What will poultry shows need to demonstrate or record in order to be considered a "lawful" event?

• The Humane Society, who partnered with Assemblymember Rogers, conveniently incorporated an exception for themselves under section (4), as a nonprofit animal welfare organization.

 

The Bottom Line

 

No one in the world of exhibition poultry condones cock fighting, and there are already laws in place to properly criminalize that type of activity. This is yet another bill which imposes unwarranted restrictions and could ultimately place further limits on law abiding citizens.

 

As an APA/ABA poultry breeder for more than 20 years, I often keep multiple roosters in my breeding pens and for purposes to further the breeds I am maintaining and raising to Standard. And, living in a rural area, I should be able to keep the roosters I deem necessary to my breeding program, without having to become certified. Breeders of heritage birds and game fowl (not used for fighting) will essentially become nonexistent. 

Poultry enthusiasts, breeders, exhibitors should be concerned not only about the existing language of Assembly Bill 928, but stay informed and engaged about any future revisions and changes. It is important you contact your local representatives and provide your input on what needs to be revised, and how. Urge them to reject and vote no on AB-928.

 

There are plans underway to gather at the state capitol and oppose this bill.To read further and stay aware of the status of AB-928:

 

California Legislature:

 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB928

 

LegiScan  Resource:

https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB928/id/3131944

 

 

 

Cooptastic - The National Backyard Poultry Conference

Cooptastic.

My goodness, who knew there was such a thing? Haha! But of course! 

This national conference is dedicated to the art & science of raising backyard poultry, with a focus on education. I couldn't be happier to be a part of it. It's coordinated, facilitated, and hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension, designed specifically to cover information related owning and managing backyard flocks.

I will be speaking at a session on Saturday, and look forward to a great event! They will be covering some amazing topics for all skill levels, from beginning chicken keepers to advanced. You can check out their conference agenda and get more details at the link below.

What is Cooptastic?

"Cooptastic is made just for backyard flock poultry owners. It is open to all current or future backyard flock owners from across Alabama and the nation. At this conference, you will join your fellow feathered-friend enthusiasts to learn about the ins and outs of keeping chickens. 

At this event, poultry professionals will help you make those decisions by arming you with specific information designed for backyard flock owners."

When: March 15–16, 2024

Where: Alabama 4-H Center, 892 Four H Road Columbiana, AL 35051

 To register, click HERE. 

 

 

'Talking Backyard Chicken Classes on GoodDay Sacramento!

GoodDay Sacramento (31 KMAX and CBS 13)  is an upbeat, local news crew that knows how to have fun with their news! Their morning show is both entertaining and a good blend for our central valley - if you haven't already tuned in, you are missing out!

Reporter Lori Wallace (and camera man Scott!) met with me to do couple of live segments  about the backyard chicken classes happening in July. I am partnering with the City of Lodi - Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services to offer a series this summer for both beginners and intermediate chicken keepers (more details and links are below, if you scroll down). We talked about some basic chicken tips and summer care to help your backyard flock avoid heat stress - especially with the expected triple digit temperatures coming this  week. 

Here are the two segments available online!

 

Backyard Chicken Keeping Classes! Partnering With The City of Lodi - Parks and Recreation

 

Wondering what it takes to raise chickens in your backyard? 

Im "eggcited" to share 😄 that a special series of classes will be available this summer! I am partnering with the City of Lodi and their Parks & Recreation to offer a total of four classes:

 

Backyard Chicken Keeping 101

This class is perfectly designed for those considering raising their own backyard chickens or those who would like a refresher on the basics. You’ll learn everything you need to know that first year, from choosing baby chicks and setting up a brooder to the move to the big coop and laying those very first eggs. We’ll talk about best practices and all the tips and tricks!

Dates: Tuesday, June 14th and Tuesday, June 21st - 6:30pm to 8pm

Hutchins Street Square 

Class fee: $110 ($55 per class) plus online/resident fee

Backyard Chicken Keeping 102

This extended class will cover common chicken aliments along with how to recognize health concerns in your flock. From what to keep in your Poultry First Aid Kit at home to keeping your chickens cool in the deathly summer heat, we’ll cover all of the common myths and best practices.

 

Dates: Tuesday, July 12th and Tuesday, July 19th - 6:30pm to 8pm

Hutchins Street Square 

Class fee: $110 ($55 per class) plus online/resident fee

Registration must be completed in advance - you can register online at:

 

101 Class Series (June):

 https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/lodipandrhss/activity/search/detail/21604?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

 

102 Class Series (July): 

 https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/lodipandrhss/activity/search/detail/21629?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

 

 

To review the full City of Lodi Activity Guide, visit:  

http://www.lodi.gov/841/Activity-Guide

Keep Those Chicken Cool!

Here in the central valley, we are gearing up for a whopping summer which includes many days of temps over 100 degrees! Here are some things you can do today that will help your chickens survive as the temps get hotter this summer:

• DON'T WAIT....get the water bottles in the freezer so you'll be able to alternate (have one extra that is freezing while the other one is being used). Use the frozen bottles of water to give the chickens something cool to stay near when needed. Make sure your chickens have shade, and have a box fan ready to turn on to keep the air flowing (a timer works great).

• DON'T FEED....hold back on the feed until either the late evening or early morning hours when its cooler. Avoid all scratch or corn when it's in the 90's or higher. Carbs create more body heat when digested, so help your feathered friends during the heat wave by staying away from the snacks.

• COOL DRINKING WATER...is a necessity. Change the water in your waterers frequently and use cool, fresh water with electrolytes or baking soda (1/4th cup per gallon) to help increase the blood pH "buffer" of your flock when they are at risk for heat stress.

• WATCH....for signs of heat stress in your flock. They will naturally start moving less, drinking more, holding their wings from their body, and panting. A normal chicken's body temp runs around 106 degrees, and they do not have sweat glands - so when the air temps increase they have a tough time regulating their own body temp. Do what you can to help them keep cool using what I've suggested above - before their temps reach dangerous levels (if their core body temp reaches 115 degrees, they will likely die).                                                                                                                       

Here is a quick video with some tips!

Life & Leisure Magazine - February 25, 2021

Be sure to check out the spring Life & Leisure magazine published by the Lodi News Sentinel! 

Click on the link above to view it online. 

Many thanks to Kyla Cathey and Bea Ahbeck for putting together such a great article! 

We really enjoyed our photo session at Wilson Family Winery!