kind of silly question about "project" birds

[popcornpuppy]

I have an idea, but would like conformation/clairification please.

What does "project" .................. mean?
(ie: project RIR)

 

[speckledhen]

Usually, project birds are those that are a new color, new breed, new cross, etc. They are "in development", rather than something already accepted and standardized.

 

[popcornpuppy]

Thanks Cyn. That's what I thought.
I just wasn't sure if it included a "starter" flock. Like someone acquiring a breed they have never had before (but a known breed) and starting from the bottom floor to get good breeding stock.

 

[speckledhen]

Say I wanted to produce a feather-legged, rose combed bird that lays blue eggs, I'd have to breed in the feathered legs, set the comb type somehow and introduce the blue egg gene. There would be many breeding pens of various ages, the first generation cross, the second generation, and so on. Those birds would be "project birds".

 

[popcornpuppy]

Thank you for the clairification and for settling a minor dispute.
I call my guys "starter flock."
DH says they could technically be called "project" because we have to get them as close to standard as posible, therefore they are a project.
Your answer puts the case to rest, and I win LOL

 

[speckledhen]

uh, oh, don't get me in trouble with Jimmy!