To Judge

    Over the twenty five years or so of raising roller pigeons I've met and learned a lot about people and pigeons. No two are the same. We should all live by the same standards, "but we don't". But that's what makes us all individuals. I've gone to many shows and I've watched the judges at work as their hands move over the birds body looking good feather quality, back muscles, wing strength, that perfect body, that perfect eye. What ever you may think "To Judge" means that every eye is on you. I was once told if you know what the judge likes just bring that kind of bird.  If he likes red checks, bring red checks. By today's standards that should not work. 

    A good judge will tell you why this is the best bird. To win is not just having the best bird. Its making sure the bird is at its best. Yours may be the best bird in the show but if it is not prepared for the showing it may not win. You should never take a bird to a show right off the nest or one that's been feeding young. A bird full of food will never win. Roller are athlete and like all athletes they need conditioning, bathing and time to adjust. So before you take that bird to the show prepare your athlete and make shore it's in the best condition possible. The rest is up to the judge and when you take a bird to the show the judge is just one mans opinion. He was chosen to judge so trust his opinion. To judge is a lot of responsibly and not every bird can win and not every judge is a good judge. If your bird dose not win then look to yourself and see what you may have done wrong. Is the bird clean? Is he the right type? Color is never a good reason to show a bird if he dose not meet the other standards. Would you go to a beauty contest with out a bath or combing your hair? If you have done you can do to  the prepare your bird then there is always a next time and a new judge.  Terry Duncan