In the previous section we mention the Primary Traits. It is merely a suggested standard by which to compare and make decisions as to what is desirable in a World Class Roller.

We offer the following as a guide only and it is not intended to be the definitive standard to compare your birds. It is quite possible that others hold to a different set of standards, we will not argue with that.

While it can be difficult to describe physical activity and attributes to someone who has never seen it before, simply use these descriptions as a guide as you shop for the best Rollers your money can buy. 

Primary Trait #1: Rolling Ability

The ability for a Roller to perform in proper style whether it be for only a few feet or much more is critical above all else. Roller Great Bill Pensom has described in other publications as to the traits of a good Roller. We will simply re-iterate here what he has said regarding these traits. The standard is:

“the true Birmingham Roller is that which turns over backwards with inconceivable rapidity through a considerable distance like a spinning ball”.

“This performance is carried out at frequent intervals during flight, from the time they are liberated until they return to their loft”.

Quoted from “The Birmingham Roller” by W.H. Pensom

Primary Trait #2: Velocity of roll

The velocity of the roll can be such that the illusion of a small “hole” might be detected from a side view as you see the “ball” drop from the sky. At best it is very difficult know exactly how many revolutions are performed during a given time frame.

However, in an effort to quantify the velocity of a Roll, a published article a 1974 American Pigeon Journal suggests this idea:

“The Velocity of the spin is the more important aspect of performance and the more difficult to measure. However, spin velocity is measured directly so the measurements are quite accurate. A stop watch and perhaps a pair of binoculars are needed. To obtain the spin velocity, count the revolutions in the spin and time the spin”.

“..Divide the revolutions by the elapsed time shown by the stop watch. The result is the spin velocity in revolutions per second…”

“…Begin by trying to count the revolutions of the short spinner. I find it easiest to count one revolution each time the bird’s wings point straight up during the spin. Soon the first 10 revolutions of the spin can be counted with accuracy”.

It may simply be easier to identify birds that show the “hole” during the spin, knowing that they are performing to the proper velocity standard and will be more valuable in your breeding program than those rolling like a “dish rag”.

Primary Trait #3: Depth of roll

There is no official standard as to what the proper depth of a Roller should be. This is one area that is influenced primarily by your own personal preferences.

For example, if you intend to fly in competitions, you may prefer a kit of shallow performers as opposed to deep Rollers which would have more difficulty in regrouping. Knowing of course that this could have a negative impact on the total score. Although deep rollers might help with some judges and scoring systems.

While it is difficult to measure exactly how much altitude a Roller has lost during the roll, the previously mentioned article also documents the following chart:

Spin Time Spin Depth

(in seconds)                 (in feet)

.56______________ 5

.79______________ 10

.97_____________ 15

1.12_____________ 20

1.25_____________ 25

1.37_____________ 30

1.48_____________ 35

1.58_____________ 40

1.68_____________ 45

1.77_____________ 50

1.94_____________ 60

2.09_____________ 70

2.24_____________ 80

2.37_____________ 90

2.50_____________ 100

2.80_____________ 125

3.06_____________ 150

3.31_____________ 175

3.54_____________ 200

Use this information as a guide. Just keep in mind that all things being equal, a Roller that can perform a roll for ½ to 1 second is much more desirable than one that merely “flips”.

Control is the ability to overcome the overwhelming desire to roll. A Roller that does not have “control” over its predisposition to roll, will tend to flip and roll uncontrollably so that it is not able to keep up with the kit and is often found flying off on its own. They quite often “crash” into various objects especially the ground. These are known as “Roll downs”.

However, Rollers demonstrating control seem to sense when Rolling will lead to striking an object. For example, I prefer a Roller that when coming in from flying tends to NOT roll and slam into a rooftop. Even deep Rollers can have this kind of control.

However, Rollers that do demonstrate control can sometimes have accidents. It is important to know when a deep Roller has simply had an accident and when one that has crashed is a Roll Down.

Primary Trait #5: Type of body

The following is from a 1958 edition of the American Pigeon Journal taken from a 1955 Pensom Roller Club Bulletin discussing type as defined by Bill Pensom:

The first essential of a good Roller pigeon is “Type”; like a miniature Racing Homer. Neither too shallow or too deep in keel, short bodied rather than long, medium in size, not tiny and not large, plenty width but positively not too much width in front, or too wide in the rump, too shallow or too deep in keel or too long in the tail is not physically built to roll correctly. “Any bird that rolls correctly is of right type”. “You cannot get them too short”.

 To this we add: Apple shaped body, full thick neck, tight feathering, a regal look, rounded head frontal, wing tips setting up over the tail feathers is the preferred look.