Danielle LaJoye’s third grade classroom at Steeby Elementary has a most unusual class pet – Kevin the Quail.

LaJoye last November had 30 Coturnix Quail eggs delivered to her class so her students could study the different functions and parts of an egg. They kept the eggs in an incubator and monitored the temperature and humidity.  After about 18 days, only one egg hatched.  Kevin, as the students affectionately named the quail, was all white and had a crooked neck (a birth defect).

Students take turns each day caring for Kevin and use a chart to assign duties such as giving fresh water, feeding, grooming, and cleaning his bedding. They have had many learning opportunities when discussing his neck and his special needs.

Students also learned why some animals need to lay large clutches of eggs in order to ensure survival and how many factors can determine survival rate. This year-long project has included lots of research and discussion of animal care and conservation efforts as well.

A parent has generously donated a glass aquarium for Kevin which will serve as Kevin’s new home. Over the summer, he will live on Mrs. LaJoye’s farm.

PHOTO: (From left) Ryan Baughman, Lincoln Didion, Tabitha VanderPloeg, and Caisside Homrich taking care of their class pet, Kevin the Quail. (Photo courtesy Laurie Zywiczynski)