How to Breed Baldhead Rollers

Raising baldhead roller pigeons for competitive flying and exhibition are popular hobbies that provide competition and fellowship among fellow baldhead roller enthusiasts. Domestic pigeons lay two eggs per clutch. Eggs hatch in approximately 18 days. Both male and female pigeons incubate eggs and feed their young. Male pigeons incubate the eggs from late morning to late afternoon and the female takes her turn in the late afternoon to late morning. Both parent birds feed and protect their babies. The baldhead color pattern occurs in both flying and exhibition roller pigeons. Choosing superior breeding stock is the foundation of breeding baldhead rollers of either type. Researching champion bloodlines is a first step in breeding quality baldhead roller pigeons.

Things You'll Need

  • Mature pairs of baldhead roller pigeons
  • Pigeon loft or individual breeding cages
  • Nesting compartments
  • Nest bowls (plastic dog good bowls work well)
  • Nesting material
  • Pigeon feed, grit, and fresh water
  • Containers for food, water and grit
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Instructions

    • 1
      Baldhead is a color pattern featuring a white head.

      Research the conformation standard for the type of baldhead rollers you're breeding. Flying rollers are trim and muscular, while exhibition baldhead rollers are more substantial and color correctness and overall appearance is emphasized over flying ability. Find conformation standards for baldhead rollers through roller pigeon clubs and breeder websites.

    • 2
      All domestic pigeons originated from the rock dove.

      Select birds for your breeding program that most closely meet the color standard for baldhead rollers. Birds must have white heads, white under carriage -- lower portion of bird behind its legs -- and exactly 12 white tail feathers. Colored feathers in any of the dedicated white areas are a show fault. Baldhead rollers are permitted to have a "break" in flight feathers. A bird that has 4 white flights, two colored flights, and two white flights is considered to have 10 white flights. Eyes must be dark, also called "bull eyes." Any other eye color is a disqualification for showing baldhead rollers.

    • 3
      Keeping pigeons teaches children kindness and respect for animals.

      Identify the colors of baldhead rollers you want to breed and study the genetics for those colors. Buy pairs, or pair young birds according to desired colors and correctness of their baldhead pattern. Avoid breeding birds that have serious faults in their baldhead color pattern or structural conformation.

    • 4
      Exercising your baldhead rollers keeps them healthy.

      Set up your breeding pairs of baldhead rollers, either in individual cages for each pair or in a community loft. Provide two nest boxes and bowls for each pair. Provide nesting material such as clean straw or pine needles. Avoid placing nesting material below perching and roosting areas. Feed your birds a high quality pigeon food, but don't overfeed. Supply clean water and pigeon grit every day. Clean cages and lofts when necessary for preventing accumulations of waste.

    • 5
      Pigeons are prolific breeders.

      Keep records of each pair of baldhead rollers and their young. Note when eggs are laid, when they hatch, and observe the colors of the young as their feathers come in. Banding baby pigeons is required for competing in flying or exhibiting your baldhead rollers. Buy bands from a roller club. Record each bird's band number and establish a separate record for each baldhead roller your raise.