Here are some brief thoughts regarding calm disposition in roller pigeons. My personal observations of 26 years in roller pigeons have led me to the conclusion that a key component in a top roller is it having a calm disposition and breeding toward this trait is a good idea. 

 

When I look at and handle my stock I like to see a calm disposition while at the same time the bird exhibits an alert expression; it appears to be aware of all that is going on around it, its bobbing its head up and down and sideways as it scans and observes its surroundings. It even looks at the handler and appears fearless.

Such a bird might give the distinct impression that it is intelligent and if could speak it would. I liken that look to what I have seen in regards to intelligence in my German Shepard dogs I have had.

It has also been my observation over the years as I continue to work with my Ruby strain that my best performing spinners tend to have this calm disposition in the kit box and in the hand.

Because such a bird is in a more relaxed state and comfortable within itself it is not afraid of the roll and as a matter of fact such a bird seems to enjoy the roll above all; its as though it is actually HAPPY to be a roller…a Birmingham Roller.

---