brian430
32 posts
Aug 09, 2006
5:11 PM
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hey guys,
just curious if this sport will stick around for the ages.
I would like to know more less what the average age of the rollerman is these days, would hate to see the sport fade away, hope there some young guys taking an interest.
I am 34
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Brian in Ludlow, MA
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MCCORMICKLOFTS
677 posts
Aug 09, 2006
6:03 PM
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I fear that by the time I am at retirement age, the hobby of flying rollers, or even keeping pigeons for that matter will be largely a hobby dominated by gray haired old men..lol. Sadly most of us who raise pigeons today raised them as a youth. The only youth who have pigeons today are either the child of a pigeon fancier or live in a very rural area. Electronic satisfaction has pretty much replaced things like keeping livestock.
Brian.
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nicksiders
765 posts
Aug 09, 2006
6:07 PM
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Most of the guys I know are less than 50....I am on the older side of the hobby at 62. I don't think you have any fear of the hobby going away.
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Snicker Rollers
Last Edited by nicksiders on Aug 09, 2006 10:34 PM
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Santandercol
239 posts
Aug 09, 2006
7:59 PM
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Agree with you Nick.my son wants to keep birds,just needs his own place.There are some young folks here on the rock wanting to get birds just need the opportunity.Sure I'll be spreading Rollers around in the future.Retiring Baby Boomers are sure to get into having birds.Pushin'50 by the way.
Kel.
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thong
29 posts
Aug 09, 2006
10:17 PM
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promoting the roller. and helping out new guys that are serious is one way. In my area, there is a flood of young neighberhood kids that are seriously wanting to start up. But without jobs and money to obtain decent birds, they settle for culls and due to not knowing people who can help them. Some people are reluctant to help, due to fear of bringing strangers to their loft. I tried to help out these guys as much as I can but I am in need of help myself. When I helped form a local roller club in Merced, CA, I was the Vice president, and my job was to promote the roller and recruit new guys, when i left down to Fresno, CA, new people called me wanting to be in my club, It was tough directing them to the right people that are willing to seriously help. So in restrospect, it might depend on your area. But I see a brighter future for the BR fancier.
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thong
30 posts
Aug 09, 2006
10:30 PM
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If anyone wants to donate birds old enough to breed, let me know, It doesn't have to be your "keepera" just decent birds that have potential to reproduce something that will roll decent. I have a waiting lists of guys that I can't assist right now. IF I could I would steer them in the right direction, but your problem birds (back of the kit birds, bumpers, too deep ones, your culls that are on the threshold of being over cook but not yet cull or given another chance, would help a new beggenner to play around with untile they understand how to handle and lean about the roller for one or two years untile they are ready for some serious birds. Anyone wanting to help let me know or email me at thngmoua@aol.com.
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knaylor
270 posts
Aug 09, 2006
10:58 PM
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I would agree here 100%. Myself I am 39 and dont know too many guys my age or younger that are serious about the hobby. There are a few, but most are in and out in the same year. I also dont know any kids that are into it. Kevin
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Shia
16 posts
Aug 10, 2006
12:00 AM
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I too agree with Thong. There's alot of kids out there who are interested but just don't have the financial resources to get stared seriously with it. I'm 28 and most of my friends and people I know, who are into sport, are in their 20's.
I don't think the sport is ever going to die. The way I see it, if I keep going in the sport, there's plenty of opportunity to get new people involved. Think of the influence you could have on your kids, niece, nephews, grandkids, cousins, so on and so on. One of them is bound to be interested.
Even the mailman! The mailman saw my birds flying and told my sister he would like to purchase a pair. I've never liked the idea of me selling something from a hobby that I enjoy. So, although my birds are far from the best, I'm gonna give him a pair along with some info on the sport. Hopefully as he finds out more, he'll want to get more serious with it.
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Bluesman
Pigeon Fancier
772 posts
Aug 10, 2006
3:10 AM
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I am 62 and have 19 grandchildren.I finally have 2 Grandaughters that are getting into rollers.Like Brian said Computer Games and TV seems to be most of their downfall.I have all but got on my knees and begged my Grandsons to raise some.I would even build them their Lofts & Kitboxes if they would want them.
The ones in my area that are getting into rollers are all around my age and had them when they were younger.I think the Hobby is getting stronger and I think it will continue to do so.The computer has really helped bring many together that otherwise would never have had any contact.David
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Spud
29 posts
Aug 10, 2006
5:16 AM
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I'm 51, converted over from homers to rollers. With the price of gas I think you will see more and more of guys like me getting into rollers.
Spud
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Heyyou
30 posts
Aug 10, 2006
7:32 AM
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I am sending out 5 pair of stock birds soon and still have a few pair of great birds to give, great looking reds, grizzles, blacks and blues. I am sending them for only a box and shipping price to those that want and need them. I flew a grizzle hen yesterday that is a 204 hen and boy did she roll, 30 feet and tight, but stayed out overnight. I am still whining.
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dave
131 posts
Aug 10, 2006
12:27 PM
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I'm 31 and this will be my second year into rollers. There are a few young guys in my area (same as Thong's)that are really interested but they are young. Some think they know everything and some that are willing to learn. Most have birds from the swap meet that are someone else's culls. Like everything, the roller hobby will be a like a cycle. We will have our ups and downs. Right now I think the interest is going up. I wouldn't mind giving birds to people that I know are serious (joining NBRC, joining the the local club, going on club flies, and asking questions).
Last Edited by dave on Aug 10, 2006 12:28 PM
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gle619
8 posts
Aug 10, 2006
1:06 PM
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Im 21, Happily getting back into rollers for good, with the gracious help of Bill White. my father and I were had rollers in the late 80's then took a break from it in 97. We tried getting back into the hobby in 1999 with not much luck with various setbacks. I guess raising a great family of deep rollers for 9 years with 9 years of improvement and having to start over again was the hardest part. In 2000 during my highschool years I was able to help 5 or 6 Hmong students get into rollers which was great. My friends were always looking at me weird when they would come up ask me about pigeon questions lol. I ended up dispersing my birds to them. I havent seen any of them in 4 years or so, I hope they still raise rollers. Its true from the early 90's to present day ive noticed a large decline in the Pigeon hobby in general. Especially from living in the city, we need every person we can to keep the hobby strong. Im my old neigborhood it was easy to see 9 pigeon flyers whether rollers or racers, these days you would hope to see 1. I do hope the younger generations, such as my own still have the passion and joy of raising rollers for years to come. Im glad we still have good passionate people in the hobby who can help push for a lifetime hobby such as this.
Last Edited by gle619 on Aug 10, 2006 1:09 PM
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Heyyou
31 posts
Aug 10, 2006
1:33 PM
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I have a few more pair now, I was notified that one fellow that wanted some birds can't for some reason get them from me through the usps. never had that problem before. If some one wants some send me a note. these are stock birds, proven parents and only cost a box and shipping. willowfarm@kalama.com
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nicksiders
771 posts
Aug 10, 2006
3:03 PM
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Heyou,
Are getting out of the hobby? If you are, why?
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Snicker Rollers
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tapp
114 posts
Aug 10, 2006
3:51 PM
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I Think like Brian thinks. But I hope it goes like Blues man thinks. Kids now days can't even tie there shoes. Good with electronics through. But taking care of animals DUH! hopefully I can get some interested in my lifetime. I'm 50 in OCT. And yes had rollers as a kid. Didn't know what a kit box was though till Early 05!!!!! Talk about DAH! we just let them eat and fly when ever they wanted, or we chucked a rock on the barn roof and they would come out rolling all over the sky. Good old days!
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Tapp
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Heyyou
32 posts
Aug 10, 2006
4:17 PM
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No I am not getting out of the hobby another local did and had birds that had great backgrounds and I got most of his stock birds and young birds, about 40 in all. I can't use all the stock birds and am only keeping 2 or 3 pair and the rest should go to someone that can use them. I got the birds for free so the only cost is a small box and shipping. These are proven breeders with Niebel, higgins and stevens backgrounds.
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parlorfancier916
125 posts
Aug 10, 2006
4:19 PM
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I agree with thong but in my opinion I believe strongly that these kids aren't educated about the sport. one thing I see that kids don't really do is cull for the best...
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bman
31 posts
Aug 10, 2006
5:43 PM
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Ok ok
Kids are in to instant gratification,electronic and sometimes other things,I'm 51, kids are raised with kids of their own(in the noisy smelly stage)lol.But how do we attract tomorrows fliers.How do we instill the love for something that lives and breathes.How do we compete with the electronic stimulus video,dvd,tv etc.COME ON lets her some ideas.Or how about the 18-35 crowd where are they?
I would be interested in everbody's ideas,as I stated before there are very few serious fliers close by and would seriously like to promote this hobby but where do you start?
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Ron
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Heyyou
34 posts
Aug 10, 2006
7:00 PM
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In my opinion we have to expose them to the flight of a good kit of birds and let them ooh and ahh, ask questions and actually see and experience the wonder of rollers in flight. As a 10 year old I was hooked the first time I saw Bruce Coopers birds take to the air and fall out of the sky like fireworks on the 4th. Most young people don't have the means or and idea on how to get started in rollers. If we can get them together with a small 3 by3 kit loft with a trap and 8 or 10 decent birds that won't roll down, we got um. they will remember it the rest of their lives and they will talk to and expose others to their fun and excitement and the responsibility of having live critters dependant on you can never be matched.
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nicksiders
772 posts
Aug 10, 2006
7:10 PM
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Where the work comes in is to make sure they have the facilities to house the birds. They have to get that done before I will give them birds. Generally it is me that does most of the building and engineering on thier property after the parent(s) have approved. I don't always have that time and in this heat and at my age it is something I don't like to take on as often as I once did. You have to get them young. If they are already 30 they don't seem to last long in the hobby. If they are 10 or 12 they get in thier "blood" and even if they leave the hobby for college or service they seem to come back to it once that periond of thier life is over.
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Snicker Rollers
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parlorfancier916
126 posts
Aug 10, 2006
7:43 PM
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I think if you fly a kit, you can get whoever following it home.
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MCCORMICKLOFTS
678 posts
Aug 10, 2006
8:39 PM
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Besides the electronic world which captivates most youth these days, probably the main obstacle which prevents the younger generation from keeping pigeons of any kind are the city ordinances which weren't in place in most towns when we were young. Properties where people live around here are smaller, most backyards only the size of a large postage stamp. And largely any subdivisions built in the last 10 years will have some kind of CC&R which will explicitly forbid the keeping of any kind of birds in a hobby sense. And that doesn't take into account the city itself forbiddening the keeping of pigeons.
Brian.
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parlorfancier916
134 posts
Aug 11, 2006
8:56 PM
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hey you guys I've found a way to attract kids, if you take some birds whose wing feathers have been plucked to a park you will surely attract kids. you let the birds walk outside for a bit and the youngins will be amazed and even try to touch the birds. I just had a group of elementary age kids play with my birds earlier today and man, it made me 8 years younger, as if i was 7. Anyways I couldn't give the birds away till next year because they were a restarting point (from the theft of my birds). so here's a way to attract the kids.. just thought I would share it.
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gle619
9 posts
Aug 11, 2006
9:49 PM
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I dont think that would work with flying rollers, but parlor rollers yes
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RedBarron
3 posts
Aug 12, 2006
12:08 AM
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I'am 29 and have been in Rollers since 2004! and If you saw me before I got into rollers you would say to yourself! Well a very unlikely canidate! Well that couldnt been further from the truth! The very first moment I first layed eyes on the little critters I fell in love! So I started with 22 Young Birds and now I have about 250! I breed about 100 a year!
I also built a local club website to help promote the area! www.wtrc.us West Tennessee Roller Club! Also working on another site which will soon have a forum! www.rollertalk.com I just like the hobby! I think at times I'am addicted to it LOL! Oh well! I cant wait in another year or so! Why well because I'am going to buy my first home! and yes I will finally build the loft of my dreams!
At the moment I'am using a poll barn and a couple of double kit boxes and 1 double kit box that I built!
I dont think the hobby is in trouble! I'am 29 and do not have a thought about quiting!
I'am all about promoting! and helping others get into the hobby! I have given 70 Birds away this year to help people in the area! they are not culls! come from good background! Also I helped to start a Tennessee State Fly VOLUNTEER CUP as we call it! I got all the State membership info and got letters and rules and reg forms and mailed them off myself! We brought in a judge from out of State to judge! It went well Leon Kocisko of Lexington won it I came in a close second!
I think what some of us need to do is! we need to help newcomers construct easy lofts! you'll be surprised what a few 2x4's nails and chicken wire can do! LoL Spend a little time and money helping those likely fanciers
YITS
Kevin Kennamore
www.wtrc.us
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parlorfancier916
136 posts
Aug 12, 2006
11:41 AM
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well, in my understanding, usually kids only look ahead of them not up. for the younger guys, I myself one of them(15 years old), I believe strongly that if you had birds on the ground they would be noticed more, I mean think about it, if you take a walk do you stare up into the sky or look ahead? If we can attract the kids from the ground first we can get a few to go over to the loft and see the birds in action do you know what i mean? like think like a kid, if you do look up you'd probably think, oh it's just a few birds flying in a pack...
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Santandercol
245 posts
Aug 12, 2006
8:48 PM
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Red Barron,
That's cool man.Yeah get that house and build your dreams.Don't put yer $ in the damn banks they just rip you off.Real estates the place to put it.And man I love your enthusiasm!!!It's great to spread birds around if you can.This is my first year at it and I managed to breed 29 birds.Some buddies in the sport are laying another 30 or more on me end of August all squeakers.Already have 2 people wanting birds from me as soon as I can.Maybe next year I'll have the fostering down-pat and be able to help them out.These folks are teenagers and middle aged,so I don't see the hobby dying out.
In the sport,
Kelly.
Hey Parlour,
Your enthusiasm at times is a little crazy but that's cool too!!It's a good thing to be positive.Treat your birds like you would treat your kids if you had any.
Good luck!!
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Norm_Knox
63 posts
Aug 13, 2006
2:15 AM
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Well guys I'm 20 been raising rollers for about 3 years now, and I have a friend that is into rollers and he's only 16. I guess we are the new generation LOL
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sundance
7 posts
Aug 13, 2006
6:51 AM
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guys
i have had the same thoughts and have wondered how we all can help promote the hobby. the kids in the park idea is right on track. i supposa that would work. what i have been pondering is the portable flying thing. this would be a way to get the birds out to almost any location, even fairgroundfs when there are crouds around.if we can get a youngster started and they dont stick around for more than a year or two, dont be dissapointed . once bitten by the pigeon bug it tends to come back as we get older, and have more time on our hands, and the money to support it.
many of us started that way, including myself.
just my thoughts...........fly on.....
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nicksiders
780 posts
Aug 13, 2006
9:26 AM
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There is one thing lacking in our hobby........public information of events, especialy local events. We do not tell the local area of pending local lawn shows, flys, or club meetings and invite everyone that may be curious. I see no little blurbs in local newspapers, no inserts, etc about any activities. We tend to keep our business too close to members only and share very little with those outside of our memberships.
My opinion............
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Snicker Rollers
Last Edited by nicksiders on Aug 13, 2006 9:44 AM
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parlorfancier916
138 posts
Aug 15, 2006
1:06 AM
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sundance,
I've never heard of a portable loft.. this is the first time, got me thinking about training a small portable kit.
Last Edited by parlorfancier916 on Aug 15, 2006 1:07 AM
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birdman
205 posts
Aug 15, 2006
7:25 AM
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I'm 44, and from my experience I believe that most of us who fly pigeons are just plain bird nuts by nature and were interested in them as young kids. Growing up, it was normal for all of us kids to be expected to stay out of the house and go find something to do. Back in the late 60's and 70's there was still plenty of open land to explore in Southern California, and explore we did, looking for meadowlarks, kestrels, wild pigeons, finches, crows, lizards, snakes, and all the other native wildlife that were common (before girls). By 12 years old I had settled for pigeons but loved all birds and even raised cockatiels, parakeets, doves, finches, chickens. I'm sure a few can relate to this. Heck, in high school I had a dozen friends who raised rollers and we would visit each others loft , sometimes every day. Nowadays kids have too much crap. Take away the kids gadgets and the young pigeon enthusiasts will come.
Russ
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nicksiders
789 posts
Aug 15, 2006
2:41 PM
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Russ,
I think you are right. Every pigeon breeder I know is bird nuts. You see feeders; prints; paintings; photographs; figurines; and other artwork about birds all over thier places.
We have allowed our kids and grandkids to stay indoors and I don't think they are aware of the awesome outdoors as we were.........hell I am a lot older than you; no aircondition, no TV-we were out there. Kick the kids outside and go out there with'em. Sit on a rock in the dessert. Take some water and a Snickers Bar....spend a good part of the day.
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Snicker Rollers
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Velo99
585 posts
Aug 15, 2006
3:04 PM
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Guys,
I got two for one on my two recruits. Father-son teams. Gonna get interesting un a couple of years
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If they don`t kit,they don`t score.
Color don`t roll and peds don`t fly.
It`s a comp thing,understand?
V99
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Ballrollers
429 posts
Aug 15, 2006
8:33 PM
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Few roller men have the committment and the resources to stick by the hobby through the ups and downs that life presents us over time. Our enthusiasm, for most of us, for elective pursuits, waxes and wanes depending on the other cards we are dealt. That's why we see so many "returnees" to the sport, and I am one of those. At 56 years of age, I now have a litle more time to devote to things that I "want" to do. And I believe that is why it "appears" that our hobby is dominated by older men. They happen to be the ones with the time and other resources available to really committ to the hobby. As you can see by reading this thread, the ages are actually spread all around in nearly every decade of life. My hat's off to all of you who are younger and still know what you want out of this or any other hobby. I, for one, never dreamed that I'd ever see the day when fast cars, and women, and exotic vacations hang gliding and scuba diving would all take a back seat to the spinning little pigeon I raised in high school! LOL!
YITS, Cliff
Last Edited by Ballrollers on Aug 15, 2006 8:34 PM
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J_Star
565 posts
Aug 16, 2006
5:14 AM
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Cliff, No it is the middle age crises men go through and possible a way to avoid the 7 year etch by spending time and energy on their birds rather than romancing the stone...(lol)
Jay
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Velo99
587 posts
Aug 16, 2006
4:51 PM
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Jay,
I can compete with my birds on an atheltic level while still being a fat beer drinking slob. My atheletic days are long gone. I consider it a good day when I get up and I have no new aches.
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If they don`t kit,they don`t score.
Color don`t roll and peds don`t fly.
It`s a comp thing,understand?
V99
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Velo99
588 posts
Aug 16, 2006
4:55 PM
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Jay,
I can compete with my birds on an atheltic level while still being a fat beer drinking slob. My atheletic days are long gone. I consider it a good day when I get up and I have no new aches.
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If they don`t kit,they don`t score.
Color don`t roll and peds don`t fly.
It`s a comp thing,understand?
V99
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Ballrollers
433 posts
Aug 17, 2006
11:55 AM
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I know the feelin', Kenny!
YITS,
Cliff
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