For many years there has been much controversy as to showing the Birmingham Roller. Many reasons have been given for not showing, but very little has been pointed out, by these people who are opposed, as to why showing is a detriment to the breed. Oh, we hear that too much emphasis is put on color and markings, birds being bred exclusively for competitions with no thought or effort toward performance, birds that are never flown, etc. In such cases, more than likely the person making these statements has tried at times to compete in the shows but, by not trying to attain the standard of perfection that has been in use, was unable to place well in the competitions. Therefore, excuses were given which is so much easier to some, rather than obtaining proper breeding stock, some advice and a lot of hard work on said fancier's part. Too many people actually think that to raise the champions, all you do is mate a few pair of breeders and then sit back and wait for the results. When they do not reach this goal, they then look for all sorts of excuses to give to themselves and to everyone else. Some never exhibit their birds for the very reason they are afraid of the final outcome because they fear defeat. The competitive spirit is lacking.

Pigeon shows are held for many other reasons other than winning a few ribbons and cash awards, etc. So many are unaware of the real purpose for shows. It is being able to compare what you feel is the ideal type specimen with others and thereby learn by comparison, under astute judging, which is the standard of perfection.

We hear so often the comment that there should be two types of Birmingham Rollers, the show bird and the flying bird. This could not be further from the truth, because there is only one type of Birmingham Roller and it should always remain so. We need the shows along with the flying competitions to continue to strive for perfection in breeding, flying, selecting and properly preparing the future generations of Roller fanciers to come along. This is a must to perpetuate a breed of pigeon or for that matter any form of livestock.

Perfection in Rollers can only mean one thing, that there is but one type of roller and only one that we strive for. It is stated day in and day out "I don't care what the bird looks or handles like, as long as it spins and flys," or "It's not a spinner but a beautiful show specimen." This is all hogwash and poppycock. The way to overcome this, is in the show pen. this way we teach and learn the ideal type pigeon. There can only be one and this should be what we all strive to produce. We teach and learn by comparison. I personally have seen birds that were good spinners but could not win in the competitions at the shows. I have also seen birds that could do both with quality in both places, in the air and in the show pen. The I ask if those who disagree and are against showing, and are making excuses, if they are not admitting defeat to themselves. Birds with snippy heads, poor feathers, bad bodies, little or no expression aren't the answer, regardless of how well they perform in the air or actually how well an individual thinks they perform.

We reach the part that brings up so much controversy and that is the judges, types of judging, etc. The only way to judge a pigeon show is with one judge to a breed of pigeons. You cannot obtain any form of proper results with more than one mate at a time. It has been tried before, still is in remote cases, of having committee type of judging. I saw this enacted and have taken part in it in the past. I cannot condone it under any circumstances as it warrants no merit whatsoever. Anytime you judge a class with three men who supposedly haven't any birds in that class under their name, you have controversy and the best bird does not always win. When you take a show and the entry fee is $1.00 per bird and you send birds a long distance at a good rate of expense, then have them judged in this manner and possibly by a person who is a beginner in the hobby, what type of judgement is this? It causes nothing but contempt, deceit and accomplishes exactly what we should strive to stamp out and this is monopoly. Selecting a judge should be a serious matter and the selection should be a person with experience, ability, integrity, honesty and above all, the knowledge of the standard of perfection in complete command. We should practice this all over the country and encourage men with the above qualities to judge our shows. When you do this, along with 100% participation of the fanciers, we will continue to progress in every way.

Comparison is the greatest teacher of all. It has to be. A man that stays home in his own backyard and never visits other fanciers or compares his birds with others is in the dark. He may think not and to himself he says that his birds are the best, but how is he right? There are numerous people who never visit and compare. These individuals are very prompt in degrading others and their birds, without the proper knowledge of whether or not his other party flys his birds, how they look, handle and spin, etc. It still remains a fact that the greatest teacher of all is by trial and error and by comparison.

It is a fine experience one gains in attending the shows, if he is close enough, in observing the birds, watching the judging and talking with other fanciers. This is a reward that is well worth the time and expense. If you are unable to attend the shows, then send three or four birds. Pick your best and prepare them and condition them to the best of your ability. You will be rewarded by the experience even if you don't win. One should stop to realize that in our shows we have anywhere from 100 to 300 birds. They represent the best of maybe several thousand birds. This being the case, we should learn from our entries of what we are doing right or wrong.

Visit the fanciers in your area, ask to handle each one's best birds, try and see their birds fly and spin. Ask questions and above all discuss your observations with others. Everyone can learn something from anyone. Cull your birds stringently and religiously. Share your good birds with others and help newcomers with good quality stock so they have a chance to make the grade. Support your shows and send your best. It still boils down to one thing, though, and that is comparison. There is but one type of true Birmingham Roller .