Most of the information is covered
here, but I think a few more specifics will help.
My family has had birds since I was in fifth grade. We started with two parakeets, Yoshi and Spike. After about a year we decided on Archy, my 3 month lutino. He is now 8. To keep him company we got Pumpkin. She is now 9. Archy and Pumpkin had a baby, Blueberry. Unfortunaly we had an incompetant pet sitter and he managed to fly away. As a surrogate son we got Birdy, and soon after Krystal. This was it for three or four years, then some friends had to move and gave us two more parakeets.
Now, my family is really busy and it's easily said that the birds in our hose don't get the attention they deserve. There have been times when they have been without food for two or three days. I find this unacceptable, and for the last few months have been trying to take proper care of all seven birds. However several severe problems have arisen: We had a parakeet die. I do now know of what, but the remaining three have been healthy for several months. A while back I took Archy to the emergency clinic after I discovered he was bleeding profusly from under his right wing. I had thought it was the result of a mouse attack or fight with Birdy, but it turns out his injury was self inflicted. I believe he has avian giardia and am having him tested.
However, despite the newly arisen problems the lack of care as come to a peak and I am preparing to relinquish all three parakeets and potentially Krystal and Birdy to a rescue in order to help increase their chance at longevity and happiness. But I need some advice to make sure I go about this the right way.
I will post pictures of Archy tomorrow and give the results of his fecal smear.
http://purplesmurf.com/?p=26