Kayin's Story
Here I will tell you the Story of Kayin, my baby African Grey
Kayin - meaning (Celebrated Long awaited offspring)
This is Kayin when I pulled him/her. Kayin was hatched January 28th, 2003 and I had to remove him/her from the nest on the 4th of February. As you can see in the pictures his parents chewed his toes and the tip of one wing off.
I was shocked and devastated to say the least. I have waited years for this baby. I was so upset when I realized what had happened.
You see I purchased Kayin's Father many years ago, he was wild caught and came from a quarantine station. I Named him Kenya and for 5 years called him this. When he finally started to speak he referred to himself as Abbado, so Abbado it has been every since. I worked with Abbado for years, got to where I could handle and scratch him. He was my friend. Then about 3 years ago he decided he wanted a wife. At that time he thought my Blue Front hen looked good. He would follow her around asking her "You want some" telling her "com ere". Needless to say she wasn't impressed to say the least. So I saved my money and went looking for the perfect wife for Abbado.
Enter Gracie. Gracie's owner had illnesses that was forcing him to sell his birds. While he was in the hospital his helper let Gracie's first mate escape. So she was up for sale. So I brought her home, and after a time in quarantine she was introduced to Abbado. He was impressed. After their get to you know period, they became roommates. Gracie went to box right away, and I wasn't surprised when the eggs were clear. Disappointed yes but not surprised. So I waited they went to box again a few months later and once again clear eggs was the result. Then they took almost a year off. When they went back to box, after their time off, and I found the eggs I didn't get to excited. When I candled them and seen there was a good one was so ecstatic. I tried to stay away from the box and let them have their space.
The day I looked in the box and seen the baby was like Christmas morning. I noticed then what looked like a bit of blood on the wing tip. So I called a breeder friend of mine she said it might be from the egg and just watch them. I did this for the first 4 days and things seem to be going good, then when I checked on the 4th I was shocked and horrified at what I found. They had chewed off both of Kayin's feet, and one wing tip. So out of the box Kayin came to go into the brooder and be doctored. I will tell you here and now, I had a few people tell me to knock him/her in the head. I couldn't, it wasn't his fault what happened I really can't say I blame the parents either after talking with other breeders, I have found it is not uncommon to have first time parents do something like this. I take the blame for not checking a bit more after the first 4 days. But I didn't want to be to intrusive so I gave them a few days with out looking.
So now you know about my baby, I am going to try and cronical his/her growth on this page, so check back from time to time to see how Kayin is doing and growing. The numbers next to the pictures are the date the photo was taken.
2-5
2-12
Kayin and baby Quaker, he seems to be saying I am your King bow to me. In the second picture you can see he/she has her/his little wing over her/his ear. Do you think it was a sign I was being to loud??
2-23 
2-25
In the first picture look real close Kayin has his/her wing over his/her little buddy the Bourke. In the second photo Kayins eyes are finally open, so now he can see the face that goes with the voice. Kayin has been responding to my voice since the very first few days. He/she knows who momma is.
All three of these photos where taken on 3-12 -03. Kayin is now starting to get pin feathers, yea soon we can play on the couch without worrying about him/her chilling. Kayin is now spending a few minutes a day in the play pen, he/she has already destroyed his/her first toy.
Look At Me Now!!!!!!!
Here Kayin is now at the ripe old age of 2 months, 1 week and 4 days. Mom says I am looking more and more like a big bird. I come out and play in the play gym for babies, but still go to bed in the brooder. Moms tells me I am about big enough for a weaning cage. Don't know what that is but hey if Mom says there's toys there all the time, I'm going with bells on. Keep checking in to see how I am doing, I love to have you stop in and see me growing up.
Well I know its been a while since I updated this, we have been busy. Kayin has moved into a bigger house, he now can perch on his oversized perch. He loves to play with toys, snuggle and beg for treats. He is also working on his talking. I can't really say what he's been a mumbling here lately, but its a mouthful that's for sure.
See, me perching, for all them nay sayers I DID IT, YEA, Kayin loves his talking toys, and his buddy Furby who's hiding in the corner. Come back soon as I think I will be telling you all about Kayin's first words real soon ....
A sad note, today September 29th, 2003 Kayins mom Gracey passed away. She will be sadly missed.
Here you see Kayin can climb, he/she does just about everything a bird with feet can do. He/she has though of ways to do all sorts of things. When I am at the computer he/she will come up and put his/her little stump through the bars for me to rub. He/she still loves to get the foot massages. Hasn't he/she grown into a beautiful bird. Keep checking back as I will keep updating.
Today on November 25th, 2004 Kayin's father Abbado passed away. He will be so sadly missed. I thank him for the gift of his son Kayin.
