No. Let me be more frank, and as a result more clear. "Build the barn before you paint it" is a mis used, over used, catch all phrase used, by those that do not know an better. It is better used and applied by those that raise dominant white or black birds. Then there is no confusion, and it could actually apply. So the problem is as much in it's use as it is in it's interpretation.
Your explanation is a good attempt at a middle ground, but explains again, why the phrase is not helpful . . . hinting at the complexities that can be involved in breeding some colors. We can neglect it if we want to, but it is be careful of what we ask for. For those that do not prefer to be concerned with color should work with birds that have none. That solves it all. LOL.
It is foolish to spend years to build type, and then take years re building it to get the color right.
Birds are neither houses nor barns. We are also not painters, and there is no paint thinner to clean up mistakes. The two go together as we move along, and the priorities and emphasis does shift as the birds change.
It is a harmful phrase, and not a helpful phrase.
And I mean this in all seriousness to newcomers. Color doe not lay eggs, or put flesh on a frame. Anyone not interested in the distractions, and are concerned with utility alone . . . forget the fancy varieties which are meant to be fancy . . .instead get a simple color variety.
The more characteristics to select for, the longer it takes to make progress. It also requires years to master the art of breeding some colors. Many can repeat much to do with one, but putting it into practice is another matter all together.
Now, to that same newcomer, I am not saying to avoid a color that strikes your fancy. By all means, learn to master the art of breeding that color. There is a lot of joy and pleasure in learning to breed a color. I am learning to breed one of the most difficult colors. The color I speak of is not a difficult color pattern to achieve, but it is extraordinarily difficult to perfect. But I love this color, and I enjoy this challenge.
The more challenging colors are a life time's work, and the learning them never ends.
The "fancy" varieties', by nature, will never ever set production records. They can certainly be productive however. And when they are, and their type is good . . . . the color is right, the vigor and health is high, they hatch like popcorn, and the flock is uniform . . . they become a remarkable achievement. Something to be proud of and admire.
A life time's work and something worth passing down, like passing a torch.
