The Gibber Italicus 21st May 2011, 11:32 am
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This mutation spread to other parts of Europe that resulted in the establishment of new breeds.
The Gibber Italicus is one of these, a creation of Italian fanciers who have produced a bird which, to some eyes has certain characteristics that are almost unnatural.
Its exact origin was not recorded but its visual appearance would seem to be inherited of the South Dutch Frill, probably with no other blood being involved. In general type and posture the
two have much on common although the Gibber is smaller in size, a slim and lightly-built bird with less frilling developed.
This tiny size was probably bred by the steady use of Yellow + Yellow, which is the normal practice in this breed, instead of the traditional Yellow + Buff. Also, as a result of this procedure, a proportion of Yellow with Yellow is produced a very hard feathered Yellow and this,
in particular, has thin, less and sometimes breakable plumage which is a marked feature in the Gibber Italicus, although an opposite quality in most other breeds. Close inbreeding, which is commonly used in establishing a type, has also helped to produce a bird with the naturally nervous action which can be found in the Frills has increased to almost top degree, therefore, Gibbers often appear to be quite shaking on their perches.
The Gibbers is one of those breeds in which posture and frilled plumage have been combined. In show position it stands erect upon very stiff legs and with the neck bent forward to give a posture in the form of a figure ‘7’. The three main frills on shoulders, breast and flanks, are
the only ones that should be present and, because of the less plumage, they seem like primary.
The breast frills do not meet in the centre, thus leaving the breastbone exposed, and the thighs and most of its joint is also naked.
All colors found in other breeds of canaries, (except for Red) are also permitted in the Gibber Italicus, there is no Buff Gibber Italicus.
The standards for the Gibber Italicus by the C.O.M. are as follow:
Neck – Long, elongated and slender.
Mantle – Small but symmetrical.
Wings – Long, straight and close to body.
Tail – Long, in straight line with back.
Head – Small, slender, snake-like.
Breast – Small but symmetrical curving, naked breastbone.
Flanks – Small but symmetrical.
Legs – Long, stiff and straight, thighs must be naked.
Attitude – Slender, forming a figure of ‘7’, neck extended and square with back.
Size – 14 - 15 cm. (5.5 - 5.9 in.)
Origin – Italy.
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