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Hi everyone I have a pair of african greys which have laid eggs a month ago I thought everything was fine until about a week ago I started to see liquid coming out The eggs looked fine perfect around the top and sides but as of today they are dented and obviously no good can someone please tell me what went wrong?

Wow, she's already coming out of her cage on her own! That's not nothing. It took my Dorian over a year to stick his head outside his cage, and he was only cage-bound for 3 1/2 years. Sounds like you have a very brave girl. Check out the body language thread in the Training room, there's a lot of good info there. Spend lots of time by her cage just talking to her, reading to her (children's books are great). Where in the home have you got her cage? Is it where she can observe her new flock? Is she used to being covered and getting 10-12 hours of sleep a night? Greys really are slow to change, but as long as you're in it for the long haul, it can be very rewarding. Sometimes we recommend new owners keep a journal so that they can look back on it and see how far they've come later on. Thank you for taking on a rescue. She's gorgeous.

Well done you for taking in a rescue bird. Others have already given lots of suggestions and far more advice than I could provide. Grey's are fascinating birds and I'm sure Maxi will bring you lots of happiness for many years. The main thing to remember is that everything right now is new to Maxi and it will take her some time to learn about her new home and her new flock. As others have said it's all about patience and "Grey time". She will let you know when she is ready to advance to the next stage of the relationship... Whether it's a head scratch, responding to you vocally or willingly stepping up for then first time. There is a massive amount of information on these forums so feel free to look around and dig into some older threads. And never be afraid to ask questions!

Welcome Nick and Maxi! If I may suggest, with your rescue, you have accepted a long and winding road with Maxi. Since Rome was not built in a day, let's hope it doesn't take as long to rebuilt it... A possible starting point...sit by her, read to her, sing to her, and talk to her. When you are by her cage, have her cage door open. At this point, don't try to have her step up. Since she is playing with a plastic fork, place a similar toy (a straw, a small strip of wood, a piece of safe leather) and go about your day as if she is an old member of the family. After a while (days, weeks, months), you can offer her a finger. (don't try daily, maybe every three or four days....) Remember the Beatles song, "The Long and Winding Road" or the phrase, "I'm in it for the long haul"? Talk about a woman who is set in her ways.. Your patience will be well rewarded...Pick out one special treat and use only that treat once or twice a day only from you. Please keep us informed...

She will teach you Grey time (patience). You can sing, read books or poetry to her just stop and have a little talk whenever you pass her cage.

Poor Maxi has been cage bound for a long time and it will take lots of time and much patience on your part. I'm glad to hear you have changed her diet to a more healthy one but pay attention to what she really likes and use that as treats to get her to do what you want her to do. She has to learn to trust you and that trust must be earned and it may not come easily but give her time and space to go at her pace, greys are notorious for being slow to change but if you are willing to wait the rewards can be great. The mating dance with panting and drooping wings needs to be ignored, you are right to not encourage this as it will only frustrate her more and may lead to bites when she can't get any satisfaction so direct her attention elsewhere to get her mind off that train of thought. Please keep in mind that many greys do not like to be touched very much and if they do its only on their terms, respect her wishes and try again later but more likely she will let you know when she is ready. Move slowly when you are around her as they do not like sudden movements and talk softly to her from time to time, tell her what you are doing and such. Greys are lovely creatures but they are still wild animals, not domesticated like our cats and dogs so they are always in predator mode and on guard. Watch her intently and observe her actions because learning her body language will serve you well in the future. We have a thread on reading body language that will help you be able to tell when to go ahead or stay back so please read thru the many threads here for lots of useful advice.