There seems to be a lot of chatter about "lines" and I think we need to come to an understanding on something that was pointed out to me by a number of judges. As long as the breeder (for example - Scott, is breeding the birds), then it is Scott's line of birds. However, once those birds (or eggs) leave the breeder and another person begins caring for them, making breeding decisions, etc, etc.....the line is no longer "Scott's line" as that person is no longer responsible for the breeding
From that point, the line and the resulting offspring (good or bad) are the responsibility of and belong to "the new breeder"....not the original
As an example, my original trio of Columbian Rocks came to me via Dick Nieuwland in Canada. I have bred them for 3 years now and I have infuse blood from another CR line and I am in the process of doing the same thing via a Barred Rock line. As I am now making the breeding decisions, the line is "my" line....it is no longer Nieuwland and I believe that if you ask breeders of a known line, they will all agree with this concept
Have a great Friday y'all