About Ciuffina Ghigi Chickens

Photo source: Agraria.org

The Ciuffina Ghigi breed, along with its various strains, owes its existence to the ingenuity and meticulous research of Professor Alessandro Ghigi. Serving as the Director of the Stazione Sperimentale di Pollicoltura in Rovigo during the 1920s and 1930s, Professor Ghigi delved into the intricacies of hereditary traits, particularly focusing on unique characteristics such as cerebral or cranial hernia observed in Padua chickens. This hernia, which results in the development of a prominent crest, was studied alongside distinctive comb and nostril shapes to understand their genetic transmission in comparison to other common chicken breeds.

Professor Ghigi's pioneering work began with the creation of the black strain, achieved through meticulous crossings of Bantams with crested Paduas. By selectively breeding small-sized specimens with large crests, a distinct strain emerged, characterized by its green-shaded black plumage, primitive comb, visible white earlobes, and slate-blue shanks. These birds, weighing between 500 and 550 grams, displayed a strong inclination towards brooding and nurturing their offspring, reminiscent of the Bantam type.

Subsequent endeavors led to the establishment of the white strain, utilizing white Paduas, followed by the development of the "Ancona" (mottled) strain through the crossing of white and black varieties. Professor Ghigi further expanded the breed's diversity by creating the "Dorata" (Gold-laced) and "Argento" (Silver-laced) types, achieved through strategic crossings with Sebrights.

Despite its extinction today, the Ciuffina Ghigi breed remains a remarkable example of ornamental poultry, garnering international recognition and admiration for Professor Ghigi's contributions. Characterized by sloping wings, well-developed tail feathers, and distinctive head crests, the breed showcased two distinct varieties: bearded and non-bearded, with an average weight ranging from 0.5 to 0.55 kilograms.