The Tumbling Factor
(Internet Published) Aug 2001
I have written with monotonous regularity that Tumblers and Tipplers stem
from a common ancestry. The very early Tipplers used to tumble and in fact
the word 'tipple' in the old Sheffield dialect means to fall or to tumble.
Even 20 years ago some specimens of flying Tippler issue would do a couple
of back flips on release in spite of selective breeding against the
syndrome. Now the tumble factor is a weakness in the peripheral nervous
system so it is certainly not strength.
I submit that the strong and robust specimens of Roller issue are seldom if
ever, very tight and frequent spinners. I have found that specimens that are
rather more frail are apt to become the most spectacular and concentrical
rollers. Just how long such as these survive as a logical flying proposition
as kit pigeons is anybody's guess. It could be a matter of days, weeks but
certainly not years.
Certainly, inbreeding produces a weaker, type, a smaller type, a less viable
type, which is not to every mans liking. There seems to be a craze for the
small neat high flyers, but remember we cannot have the bun and the penny as
well!