Backyard Flock Program

Who we are

California Official State Agency

The NPIP program allows any flock owner to participate regardless of its size. While most California NPIP participants are large commercial producers, the program has categories for small hobby flocks, exhibition birds, and game birds.

The California Poultry Federation is a non-profit organization that serves as California's Official State Agency for the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). As a non-profit entity, the California Poultry Federation relies on fees to operate the program effectively. Furthermore, each state has the flexibility to manage its NPIP program in a way that best suits its needs.

The Backyard Flock program educates flock owners on biosecurity and the management of small flocks. Flocks must consist of 100 or fewer birds. All participating flocks are required to test for Pullorum typhoid and Avian Influenza.

Programs

The Backyard Flock programs have been established to educate flockowners about biosecurity and the management of small flocks.

JOIN

Subsidized Program

The subsidized program is funded by the California Poultry Federation (CPF), which continues to receive special funds for Avian Influenza monitoring.

Currently, there is a waitlist for individuals interested in joining the Subsidized Program. New members are added as current members leave, once we reach the maximum number of participants statewide.

All participating flocks must test for Pullorum-Typhoid and Avian Influenza.

Program Instructions

JOIN

Independent Program

CPF does not offer a backyard “tester” program. If the Subsidized program is at capacity, consider the Independent program as an alternative. Flock owners are responsible for covering all program costs. We provide extensive support and guidance to independent owners navigating the joining process. Furthermore, we aim to reduce expenses for flock owners by supplying the necessary materials for blood testing. We recognize the challenges of starting this journey and the associated costs that may arise. Many who join the independent program also add their names to the subsidized waitlist.

We appreciate your concern about “doing it right” and disease control. All participating flocks must be tested for Pullorum-Typhoid and Avian Influenza.

Program Instructions

Helpful Resources

NPIP

National Poultry Improvement Plan

Defend the Flock

USDA

CDFA

Avian Health Program

CAHFS

California Animal Health and
Food Safety Laboratory

QUICK LINKS
  • CDFA Avian Influenza Updates

    Sick Bird Hotline To report an unusual number of sick or dead birds, call: 866-922-BIRD (2473)

  • CDFA Backyard Biosecurity for Poultry

    If you deal directly with poultry or pet birds, protecting your birds against disease should be a priority.

  • UC Cooperative Extension Poultry

    This website is designed to help you find information and resources for all of your poultry needs.

  • UC Davis Poultry Health

    This page is made to help backyard poultry owners raise their birds in strong, healthy flocks. It will provide information on topics including poultry management and disease prevention.

  • California Avian Health Education Network (CAHEN)

    This program is dedicated to offering education, training, outreach, testing, and vaccination options for backyard poultry flock owners, other bird enthusiasts, stakeholders, and everyone dedicated to avian health in Southern California.

Program Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subsidized Program Closed?

The NPIP Subsidized Small Flock Program is currently closed.

You will be contacted if a slot opens up. Please do not call or email inquiring where you stand on the waitlist. But, HPAI still is a concern in California. Due to active surveillance, outbreaks have slowed down recently.

This does not mean biosecurity vigilance should be reduced. CDFA veterinarians conduct the Flock Inspection required to join NPIP. If HPAI cases start to increase this spring, flock inspections could be put on hold for disease mitigation.

How can I be added to the Waitlist?

Click here! To Complete the online form to be added to the waitlist.

New members are added as current members drop out. Flockowners are welcome to join the regular NPIP program if they choose not to wait for the Small Flock Subsidized program.

Do I need to be NPIP Certified to Ship?

If you want to ship day old chicks, hatching eggs or other poultry out of state, you will need to participate in NPIP. You can ship in California without NPIP participation. 

Does California have a tester program?

California does not offer a certified NPIP “tester” program for testing your own birds.

Looking for a Private Veterinarian?

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Backyard Poultry provides a list of veterinarians in California who have self-identified themselves as competent to treat backyard poultry. UCCE does not endorse them or know their specific qualifications for treating poultry. 

Click here! to view the complete list.

Independent Program - Budget Planning

Considering joining the Independent program? Download and start your budget to help you understand the testing fees and costs associated with testing. Click here! to view the prefilled Sample Cost Budget Breakdown!

Is the Subsidized Program Closed?

The NPIP Subsidized Small Flock Program is currently closed.

You will be contacted if a slot opens up. Please do not call or email inquiring where you stand on the waitlist. But, HPAI still is a concern in California. Due to active surveillance, outbreaks have slowed down recently.

This does not mean biosecurity vigilance should be reduced. CDFA veterinarians conduct the Flock Inspection required to join NPIP. If HPAI cases start to increase this spring, flock inspections could be put on hold for disease mitigation.

How can I be added to the Waitlist?

Click here! To Complete the online form to be added to the waitlist.

New members are added as current members drop out. Flockowners are welcome to join the regular NPIP program if they choose not to wait for the Small Flock Subsidized program.

Do I need to be NPIP Certified to Ship?

If you want to ship day old chicks, hatching eggs or other poultry out of state, you will need to participate in NPIP. You can ship in California without NPIP participation. 

Does California have a tester program?

California does not offer a certified NPIP “tester” program for testing your own birds.

Looking for a Private Veterinarian?

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) Backyard Poultry provides a list of veterinarians in California who have self-identified themselves as competent to treat backyard poultry. UCCE does not endorse them or know their specific qualifications for treating poultry. 

Click here! to view the complete list.

Biosecurity

Defend your Flock

Biosecurity Practices to Protect Your Poultry

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- Ibrahim Khan

- Bank Manager & husband