HELOISE Parakeets raised by a breeder tend to be friendly

Dear Heloise: We live in an apartment and would love a pet, but dogs and cats are not allowed. I've heard parakeets make nice pets and are easy to train. Is that so?
Also, should we look for one in a pet shop or get one from a breeder? Our two children would love one, but I want to make sure it's the type of bird that doesn't get too nervous, especially when the children approach the cage. Thank you. Carol J., via e-mail
I'm sure pet-shop birds are just fine, but if you want a really tame bird, buy one from a bird breeder. Parakeets are wonderful birds and are pretty inexpensive. They are very entertaining -- you can teach males to talk and do tricks.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends buying from a breeder, because when raised in a private home, parakeets are handled at a very young age and tend to be friendly with people.
If you don't know where to look for a breeder, call an avian veterinarian. He or she might know the names of breeders in your area. Heloise
Dear Readers: Carolyn Allisot of Gardiner, Maine, sent a photo of her dog, a beagle named Mandy, playing with her best friends -- two ferrets, Bandit and Teddy. Carolyn says Mandy is wonderful with small animals, and the photo shows that.
Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see these three adorable friends. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I enjoy watching squirrels, so I made a feeder for them. One of their favorite foods is corn on the cob. I made a cob holder for them using 3/4-inch cedar wood.
I cut one piece 9 inches high by 5 inches wide and another piece 5 inches by 5 inches, and nailed the smaller piece (like a shelf) to the bottom of the longer piece. Then I hammered a long nail into the center bottom of the "shelf" so the pointed end stuck out enough to hold the corncob. I attached it to a tree trunk by nailing it through the back of the 9-inch-high piece.
They love it! I put a new cob on every day. Bill W., via e-mail
Dear Heloise: When we take a short ride to the post office or are just sightseeing, we take our dog with us. This gives him a change of scenery and lets him know that every trip in the car doesn't mean he is going to the veterinarian.
We never leave him alone in the car, but we do carry his leash and portable water bowl in case we find a park to walk through while we're out. Jimmy and Anne, via e-mail
Dear Readers: Kittens can be very entertaining and can play for hours if given toys, and the toys can be found in your home.
A simple paper bag lying sideways is a favorite with most cats. They love to run in and hide. Cut a hole on the top and slide a string with a feather attached in and out of the hole -- your cat will love it! Small balls, cardboard tissue rolls and tennis balls are other toys that will keep them amused. Heloise
King Features Syndicate