HELOISE Male parakeets make terrific pets for kids

Dear Heloise: When my children wanted a pet, I knew I couldn't get a dog or cat because we live in an apartment, and the deposit is very expensive. Fish are nice to look at but not so great for young children. I had a male parakeet years ago -- they make terrific pets and, if hand-raised, are very gentle with people.
Male parakeets are the talkers, and boy, can they talk! My little Pete had a pretty large vocabulary. Also, they love to play with toys, and you can find a variety of them in pet stores. Most parakeets live for 10 years, and some longer. They do need exercise, so let them fly around a safe room for an hour or so a day. Don't let them in the kitchen -- too many hazards -- and make sure windows and doors are closed.
For those who are thinking about getting a parakeet for the first time, there are some terrific books you can pick up at most pet stores. You'll get all the information you need for the proper feeding, care, etc., to keep your bird healthy and happy. Jean Parks, via e-mail
Dear Readers: Pamela Slobey of Vero Beach, Fla., sent a photo of her Chihuahua puppy pulling the tail of Sweetie, the ferret. Pamela says they play every day and really enjoy it.
Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.-com, and click on This Week's Pet to see these cute pets at play. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
P.S. From a former ferret owner, don't let your ferret play unsupervised with other pets or small children. They are lovable and intelligent animals, but you never know.
If you walk your dog at night, it's very important to make sure both of you stay safe. Wear light clothing, and get some reflective tape -- you can find it in most large discount stores.
The best places to put the strips are on the fronts and backs of your shoes, around your wrists and on your dog's collar. You and your pet will be much safer as cars pass by, since they can spot you from a distance. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I'm sure we have all seen photos of kittens playing with balls of yarn. They might look cute, but yarn can be deadly.
There have been many cases of cats dying because they swallowed yarn and it obstructed their intestines. Also, keep any type of thread or string away -- all of this is very dangerous to kittens and cats.
There are many cat toys that you can buy or make, so don't take a chance giving them something as dangerous as a ball of yarn. Carrie F., via e-mail
Dear Heloise: If you have an aquarium, it's tempting to pick up pretty shells from the beach to put them in there, but don't do it. Shells might contain organisms and bacteria that can harm or even kill fish.
Bleaching and boiling the shells still doesn't make them safe for aquariums. Do yourself a favor: Leave the shells on the beach, and buy whatever shells, etc., you want from a store that specializes in aquarium fish. Tom A., Deer Harbor, Wash.
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate