Nathan Hutchison, a student entrepreneur, is speaking out against a state bill that would restrict backyard poultry flocks in California. Photo via Nate's Chicks

A local high school student and poultry farmer is speaking out against a proposed Assembly bill that would limit backyard chicken flocks.

Nathan Hutchison, 18, runs an egg and chicks supply business called Nate’s Chicks based in Madera Ranchos. He said he is in opposition to AB 928, which would prohibit a person from keeping or raising more than three roosters per acre, or more than 25 roosters total, regardless of acreage, on any property.

AB 928 was authored by Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa).

The law would not apply to someone who raises roosters for purposes of food production, a public or private school registered with the Department of Education, a government operated animal shelter or nonprofit animal welfare organization.

If passed, those found in violation of the law would be liable to a civil penalty of no more than $2,500 per violation.

Hutchison said it’s uncertain, but if passed, he might have to get a different type of permit or license.

Young people and Future Farmers of America students wanting to pursue a poultry business will have to pay $1,000 to get certified under the National Poultry Improvement Plan, a voluntary state-national cooperative to control and prevent poultry diseases.

There would also need to be an inspector to inspect the operation.

“There are only two inspectors in the state split between Northern and Southern California. No matter where you fall, there is only one inspector to come and do it. Because of that, there’s a giant wait list. As of right now it’s a five-year waitlist just to get this permit,” Hutchison said.

The bill also aims to curb illegal cockfighting in the state.

Hutchison has about 50 active breeding hens, and about 75 that are newborns or just under six months.

He has a total of 2,800 chickens on 87 acres.

Hutchison said if the law passed it could lead to a decline in the raising of endangered and heritage breeds.

“It makes it hard for new poultry businesses to grow and develop in California because getting certified is almost impossible and there is also a huge lack of funding for the California Department of Food and Agriculture,” he said.

He said he is selling more eggs since the spread of bird flu in the state and since Costco was forced to recall eggs in late December 2024.

He said whenever egg prices rise, more people start buying chicks. Depending on the breed, prices can range from $5-$7 a chick.

The price of medicine for poultry has increased, as well as for vaccinations, but that typically happens this time of year, he said. Hutchison noted a developing shortage of low-dose vaccines because it’s cheaper for manufacturers to make high dose vaccines that are sold to larger operations.

Prices for the low vaccines are about $10 higher than last year, he added.

Hutchison said Nate’s Chicks follows strict biosecurity protocols and fortunately hasn’t had any of his livestock get bird flu.

Hutchison is a senior at Liberty High School in Madera and recently placed second in the state for Future Farmers of America for ag education, teaching people and teachers how to grow, raise and process chickens for sustainable food.