When people talk about pigeons, they usually imagine the ones pecking around in city squares. But among pigeon fanciers, there’s a world full of specialized breeds, and one of the most fascinating is the Roller Oriental.
Known for its spectacular aerial somersaults, the Roller Oriental combines beauty, history, and performance in one bird. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced breeder, this guide will give you everything you need to know about this legendary roller pigeon species, from its origins and traits to training, breeding, and care.
- What is the Roller Oriental?
- Origins and History of the Oriental Roller Pigeon
- Characteristics of the Roller Oriental
- Flight Patterns and Performance
- Training a Roller Oriental (Step-by-Step)
- Breeding the Oriental Roller
- Temperament and Behavior
- Parlor Roller vs. Roller Oriental
- Oriental Roller Price Guide
- Galatz Roller: A Related Roller Pigeon
- Roller Pigeons: A Diverse Family
- Birmingham Roller vs. Roller Oriental
- Roller Pigeon Species Overview
- Deep Roller Bird Traits
- Ice Pigeon Connection
- Why Choose the Roller Oriental?
- Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Roller Oriental?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Roller Oriental?
The Roller Oriental is a domestic fancy pigeon developed over centuries through selective breeding. Its defining trait is the ability to perform mid-air flips, rolls, and somersaults during flight.
Compared to the famous Birmingham Roller, the Roller Oriental is slightly larger, more independent in flight, and known for its deep spinning drops.
💡 A breeder once compared watching his kit of Roller Orientals to “a firework show in slow motion”, each bird breaking into spins high in the sky before gliding back with elegance.
Origins and History of the Oriental Roller Pigeon
The roots of the Roller Oriental trace back centuries. Written references in 12th-century Persian manuscripts suggest tumbling pigeons were already admired in the Middle East. From there, the breed spread into Asia and eventually Europe.
By the 18th century, the Roller Oriental reached the United Kingdom, where it influenced the creation of the Birmingham Roller.
In the United States, much credit goes to Teddy Hull, a master breeder originally from Sarajevo. After fleeing Europe during World War II, Hull reintroduced the Oriental Roller in 1951 with imported Turkish stock. He insisted that the best breeders were the best flyers—a principle still valued today.
Characteristics of the Roller Oriental
- Size: Medium to large (32–34 cm tall).
- Weight: Around 280–400 grams.
- Tail: 14–20 feathers (most pigeons have only 12).
- Colors: Wide range—black, white, almond, silver, bronze, dun, yellow, buff, and more.
- Posture: Distinctive with wings carried under an upturned tail.
- Feather Care: Instead of a uropygial gland, they rely on oil quills.
Flight Patterns and Performance
What sets the Roller Oriental apart is its flight performance:
- Can soar up to 10,000 feet.
- Performs tight spins of 40–80 feet in descent.
- Combines flips, twists, and dives into elegant aerial displays.
- Less kit-oriented than the Birmingham Roller, preferring independent rolls.
👉 If you want pigeons that put on a sky show all by themselves, the Roller Oriental won’t disappoint.
Training a Roller Oriental (Step-by-Step)
Training requires patience and consistency. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Start at 8 weeks old – introduce the young birds to the loft.
- Short flights first – let them adjust to the air.
- Daily routine – train at the same time each day to establish rhythm.
- Gradual exposure – move from small groups to full kits.
- Encourage rolling naturally – avoid forcing traits too early.
- Avoid heavy feeding before flight – keeps them lighter and more focused.
- Protect from hawks – predators can quickly demotivate rollers.
💡 One breeder recalled how his young Roller Oriental took nearly four months before its first real spin. But once it started, the bird became one of his most consistent performers.
Breeding the Oriental Roller
Breeding a strong line of Roller Orientals means focusing on flight performance before looks.
- Pure stock first: Start with reliable bloodlines.
- Pair based on ability: Select birds that perform well in the air.
- Breeding limits: Allow only two nests per year for stronger offspring.
- Loft hygiene: Keep spaces clean but not sterile, so birds build natural immunity.
- Avoid inbreeding: Never pair siblings or nestmates.
Temperament and Behavior
The Roller Oriental is:
- Bold and confident.
- Loyal to its loft but more independent than other rollers.
- Friendly with handlers, making them great for pets or competitions.
- Long-lived, often reaching 7–10 years with proper care.
Parlor Roller vs. Roller Oriental
The Parlor Roller is famous for its ground tumbling ability, rolling across the floor instead of in the sky.
In contrast, the Roller Oriental is a true aerial performer, captivating audiences with its mid-air acrobatics.
Oriental Roller Price Guide
The Oriental Roller price depends on region, bloodline, and performance history.
- Average birds: $50–$150.
- Trained or champion rollers: Higher prices depending on lineage.
👉 Always buy from reputable breeders who value flying ability over show traits.
Galatz Roller: A Related Roller Pigeon
The Galatz Roller from Romania is another aerial tumbler, known for its circular high flights and regular flips. While different in style, it shares the same rolling heritage as the Roller Oriental.
Roller Pigeons: A Diverse Family
The roller pigeons group includes several breeds:
- Roller Oriental – deep spins and solo flights.
- Birmingham Roller – synchronized kit rolls.
- Parlor Roller – ground tumbles.
- Galatz Roller – circular high flights with rolls.
Each adds its own flavor to the rich roller tradition.
Birmingham Roller vs. Roller Oriental
The Birmingham Roller is smaller, more kit-oriented, and valued for synchronized performance.
The Roller Oriental, on the other hand, is larger, more independent, and admired for deep solo flips.
Roller Pigeon Species Overview
Among different roller pigeon species, the Roller Oriental stands out for its rolling depth and heritage. Enthusiasts often keep multiple roller breeds, but each has its unique flight style.
Deep Roller Bird Traits
A deep roller bird is one that performs spins over 40 feet in descent. The Roller Oriental is famous for this ability, making it a true deep roller admired worldwide.
Ice Pigeon Connection
The Ice pigeon doesn’t roll but is famous for its frosted feather coloring. While unrelated in performance, it highlights the genetic diversity within pigeon breeding traditions.
Why Choose the Roller Oriental?
- Spectacular aerial shows.
- Centuries of breeding history.
- Wide range of colors and body traits.
- Adaptable as both a pet and competition bird.
- Loyal and hardy, with long lifespans.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Roller Oriental?
The Roller Oriental is more than a bird, it’s living history combined with aerial artistry. Whether you’re breeding for competitions, flying for fun, or simply admiring their beauty, this breed has something special to offer.
👉 If you want a pigeon that combines tradition, performance, and elegance, the Roller Oriental is a smart choice to add to your loft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes the Roller Oriental different from other roller pigeons?
A: It performs deeper, more independent rolls, unlike the kit-focused Birmingham Roller.
Q: How much does an Oriental Roller cost?
A: The Oriental Roller price usually ranges from $50–$150, with trained or champion rollers costing more.
Q: Can I keep Roller Orientals as pets?
A: Yes, they adapt well to loft life and can live 7–10 years with proper care.
Q: Are Roller Orientals hard to train?
A: With patience, they learn naturally, rolling often begins at 4–5 months old.
Q: Do Roller Orientals mix well with other roller pigeon species?
A: They can fly with others, but for best results, keep pure bloodlines to preserve rolling traits.