5 comments about Terrarium and Cage Construction and Care.

1. I found this book very useful and informative. I have buildt terrariums since I was a child, collecting all kinds of scaly pets and the number one rule my mom made me follow was making them escape proof. These did not always work out well with missing snakes turning up in the laundry and a toothy alligator taking a bite of my hand when I first started out collecting such wonderful creatures. Boy do I wish that I had this book when I was a kid. This is a great book for both beginner and someone like me who's always looking for goood ideas on the subject.



2. The book wasnt everything I had hoped for. It did not cover the false bottom method for terrarium/vivarium construction. Seemed out dated and very very basic. Great for ideas, not for construction. Would maybe recommend book for reference but not a single resource.



3. The title of the book is absolutely misleading!
   I ordered this book together with 7 others and my hopes in this book was totally smashed the moment I opened and browsed through. It contained very little information on what I thought it should and many of the books I already owned had more info. The terrarium set ups were very unexciting. I tried going through amazon.com again trying to look for more books pertaining to "this subject" but much to my dismay, this was the only book recommended. This book contains more on recommendations of terrarium inmates rather than cage construction.



4. I bought the book being a person who loves zoos and was expecting it to cover the materials, chemicals, theorys, and design/setup of the cage and what plants to use with what lighting but none of the above really appeared in the book a completely misleading title and poor purchase.



5. For each setup, a lot of space devoted to different types of animals and each types general care. Would have liked to have more information on design ideas, construction tips, and maintenance of actual terrariums.

5 comments about The Bearded Dragon: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.

1. I find it hard to believe that the Author has ever owned a Bearded Dragon. If he did or does he never spent any time observing them. This author gives contrary information to just about every other source out there. This book would be better titled "How to care for your short lived dragon"



2. Again as usual Amazon has come through for me ... the book a learning device for my son came in the knick of time ... his bearded dragon seems to like it too... not sure if thats a good thing but ty Amazon as always a wonderful delivery and very efficiently done ...



3. I found this review to be very helpful. It breaks down different areas, such as feeding, breeding, health, etc in a detailed manner. Very reassuring for a nervous, first-time owner who loves their bearded dragon!



4. I love bearded dragons and have been doing research on them for a long time. Many of my friends and family have beardies and i hope to get one soon.My friend has this book and it provides alot of useful informacion.



5. I hate to be the only one who has a problem with this book, but I can't keep my mouth shut. This book was poorly written at best, containing information that was erroneous and possibly detrimental to the health of pet beardies. The author relied on what I basically refer to as "guesswork" rather than actual documented bearded dragon information. Just enough information to be ignorant is a dangerous thing. If you value your pet beardie, don't invest in this book. If you are interested in a book with a lot of good (correct) information, I would recommend: "The Bearded Dragon Manual" by Phillippe De Vosjoli/Robert Mailloux/et al. It is by far the most comprehensive guide to the care of bearded dragons at all stages of growth and development.

3 comments about Aquarium Care of Cichlids (Animal Planet Pet Care Library).

1. From a Teacher. . .
   
   Claudia Dickinson's new book, the "Aquarium Care of Cichlids" is a great fish and learning resource for any new or veteran teacher, or simply for a student of cichlids, not only because it is so accurate and informative, but because of how it is written. The book understands teaching in that the pages are "interactive" and the chapters reflect an important teaching flow.
   The pages are "interactive" in design as they are filled with engaging images framed with different geometric shapes that captures the eye and draws you into the critical information provided in a short format and then expanded on throughout the chapter's pages. The engagement goes further by providing the reader, both young and old, with expert knowledge and summary pages for emphasis and clarity.
   The book is ideal for learning because of its logical flow that builds upon itself. First, the books starts with the critical question, "Why Cichlids," and then advances the reader Chapter by Chapter through background information, preparations to be accomplished, and then a number of critical care chapters. This emphasis on learning as you read and then putting the animals first is thoroughly reinforced next through a new important but action oriented question, "Which Cichlid is Best for Me?" The final chapter provides the "real" world connections that can be used by a veteran or newcomer to take their new-found knowledge to ever increasing levels of understanding. For me, as well as for my students, the book is as much a resource as a guide for thinking about the "Aquarium Care of Cichlids." If you have a cichlid tank at home, or in a classroom, this book should be close by for all to be taught about what they are seeing each day in their designed aquatic habitat. The book puts fish and learning first, and this fact makes the book invaluable. I recommend this book highly and without reservation based on my 35 years of teaching experience, work with teachers as a professor at Johns Hopkins University and the co-author of a number of curriculums.



2. This book is written by the consumate enthusiast. There is not a chapter that does not contain valuable and practical information on this outstanding family of fishes. Not only does the author enlighten you, she inspires you, or perhaps I should say she allows these fascinating fishes to inspire you. Cichlids are freshwater fish known for their intelligence and the wonderful parental care of their fry. No one has ever conveyed their amazing qualities better than Claudia Dickinson. I have been keeping aquarium fish for over 40 years, and have read many aquarium books (well over a hundred). I can assure potential buyers that this is must read for anyone interested in cichlids. It has a permanent place in my collection.



3. Those of us in-the-know have been anxiously awaiting the debut of Aquarium Care of Cichlids, by Claudia Dickinson. It has fulfilled our expectations, and then some! The author is an extremely experienced and knowledgeable aquarist. She shares all of that with her readers, along with her effervescent enthusiasm. On one page she becomes an historian, on another a scientist, and on many others she is a hobbyist just like you or me. Her writing style is friendly without being flippant!
   There are eight chapters simply overflowing with advice and information. It is published by T.F.H., and it is also part of the Animal Planet Pet Care Library; "Expertly written, these user-friendly guides are bound to delight the entire family."
   Even though this is Ms. Dickinson's first book, she is far from a beginning author. She has won multiple awards for the countless articles she has written for such publications as Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Cichlid News, Buntbarsche Bulletin, and Modern Aquarium, to name but a few.
   To quote Ms. Dickinson: "If reading this book sets you on the road to success with your first cichlid aquarium, these pages will have served their purpose well." Ultimately, YOUR review will be the most telling!
   (Submitted by the book review columnist for Modern Aquarium magazine.)

5 comments about Turtles and Tortoises (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. I just wanted to learn more about turtles and it has lots of info about different types of turtles. It is in a pretty easy format and has lots of photos too.



2. When I got my turtle, Tim, I didn't know a thing about turtles - so I got this book as well as did a ton of research online. This book has TONS of good information (and pictures) about how to care for and house turtles. My turtle is several years old now, and is very happy and healthy. I recommend this to anyone who is looking to get a pet turtle. The reality of turtle-keeping is that it is a LOT of work. Turtles are dirty, and even with high powered filters their tanks need constant cleaning. I didn't know what I was getting in to, but it's worth the effort! Turtles are wonderful pets, and this book will give you all the basic information you need to know.



3. This is a great book to get you started in the hobby. This book is loaded with valuable information in an easy to read format with loads of pictures and examples. The basics are covered as well as a few of the more in depth topics. The chapters on breeding and hybernating are a little confusing and more information and ideas could have been added. The differences in the requirments needed by different species could have been covered also. This is a general care book. Nothing to fancy. If you want specifics buy a book on the species you are interested in.



4. For such little investment a wealth of information. From species identification and care basics to 72 color pictures and great tips from true turtle experts. This is a must for a turtle enthusiasts library!



5. Though inexpensive, this book provides a wealth of excellent information. It is the most used book in my extensive collection of turtle identification and care books. All turtle owners, beginners and experienced alike, should have this book.

2 comments about Box Turtles (Complete Herp Care).

1. I bought this book right after aquiring my turtles. What an informative book! I refer to this like a pet care manual. It sits on my nightstand for both pleasure reading and for admiring the photos. I even plan to leave it for my pet sitter as a reference while I'm gone. Thank you Tess for all you have done for box turtle lovers!



2. Tess Cook's new book is over 125 impressive pages of detailed information and professional photos on everything anyone could ever need to know about Box Turtles and their care. The book is absolutely fantastic! Cook covers all the bases from acquiring, housing (indoors and out), feeding (live food too), breeding, egg hatching (you must see the egg-laying and hatchling photos!), and all things in between. No topic has been missed or glossed over. Tess Cook's long history of keeping and raising turtles shines in this work as she includes little known facts and lessons that can only be learned through personal hands on experience. Tess Cook has also maintained a turtle care website for many years offering help, advise, and a forum for all interested to share their experiences. I have most books and encyclopedias written referencing Box Turtles and enthusiastically recommend this book as a must own book. It is a complete how-to guide encompassing all issues of concern for anyone, at any level of experience, interested in Box Turtles.

4 comments about Lake Malawi Cichlids (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. This book has a great overview of how to setup a Malawi Cichlid tank. It also has some specific information about some of the more popular cichlid species. This is a great book for anyone looking to setup a Cichlid tank or for people who would like some more specific information on Malawi Cichlids.



2. Good little book, but some stunning errors in husbandry descriptions which could be a potential disaster for beginning Mbuna keepers. I highly recommend that aquarists look for at least a second opinion before choosing individual species as described in this book.



3. This is THE best little cichlid book for Lake Malawi. But don't let the word little fool you, this book is packed with information on dozens of Lake Malawi cichlids. I especially like that the book breaks down the lake's cichlids into the two main categories of mbuna and Haplochromines. There are over 100 excellent color photos of the most popular species accompanied by descriptions of natural habitat, size, husbandry requirements, diet, and breeding. I always take this book with me when I go to a fish auction or my local aquarium society meeting. There are other books that contain information on more species but none that gives you this much information at such a great price!



4. Book Lake Malawi Cichlids describes natural habitats of Lake Malawi, different groups of cichlids and gives very good instructions how to set up aquarium that will match fish's natural requirements. It contains beautiful photos (some of them also taken in the nature!) and descriptions of some aquariums cichlids. It contains a lot of information given in very understandable way, I missed that in many other more comprehensive books. I recommend this book to all beginners and also to more advanced aquarists.

3 comments about The Art of Keeping Snakes (Herpetocultural Library).

1. This book is different in it's approach than any other care book I've seen. The author argues for, and shows how to do, quasi-natural to naturalist setups for many common serpents.
   The difference is that most books do not touch natural vivaria for snakes. There has been some recognition of thier benefits with lizards and amphibians, but little to no discussion of thier role in snake husbandry.
   
   The book covers the basics of setting up different types of vivaria--i.e. desert and tropic, etc. and list some plants, and substrate mixes that are suitable. He then goes into some particular snakes he feels are well suited for this sort of display. This means the books focuses on small through midsized, diurnal snakes, as they are the best display animals in a natural set up. This excludes many common species, but includes many species equally suited to a beginner--some of which are actually more suited than many more popular species, and hey, it opens up new ideas.
   
   These setups, in my experince (I've been doing them for several years) make keeping snakes much more rewarding. I've tried the LAM method (sterile boxes, wood shavings, and a heat source) and it's not that much fun. It has it's place, but it should emphatically not be the approach employed by the average hobbyist. Allowing snakes a fairly large cage, with structures and possibly plants, appropriate to it's size and behavior, greatly enhances thier captive behavior. A boa constrictor can just sit in a 4X2X1 foot cage all day, with little to do, and live. Or, you can put it in a 4X2X3 cage with thick branches, places to explore, ect. and have a much more interesting captive.
   SOme of the book is common sense, some of it is fairly detailed, but for a novice keeper, it is a must have--and frankly, it's a good idea for many more advanced keepers.
   
   The approach advocated does have limits; truly large snakes (big boas, burmese, etc.) are not suited for planted tanks, because they crush anything smaller than a tree. Furthermore, I wish the book dealt with quasi-natural setups more--they're my preferred approach, and more flexible. You simply use wood shavings, or a burrowable mix of sand and soil, and structure large branches and rocks in the cage. No plants, true, so not as pretty, but provides much of the same stimulus and is easier by far. I also wish he dealt more with noctural displays; he mentions some ideas (i.e. use redlights) but he doesn't deal with ways to make truly amazing noctural displays--e.g. plants that flower at night, etc.
   But still, this book gives you info you will not get in any other avialable book for snakes. It also advocates an approach that makes keeping snakes truly much more pleasent. I heartily reccomend it for anyone, particularly new people, or people who use the LAM method and are burning out. It opens new ideas, better ideas.



2. Before getting into keeping a snake I wanted to know exactly what I was going to let myself in for. This book not only gave me that information, but more. It shows how you can create a territory for the snake that is enjoyable and healthy for the animal, ecological, pleasant to look at and requires relatively low maintenance. I ended up dividing the purchasing process into 3 phases: Creating a pleasant vivarium, where the buying of plants and composition were at least as much fun as the anticipation of getting a snake. Then the purchasing of quarantine equipment and finally the snake and food. This book helped me all the way through. I highly recommend it and read it before you purchase any snake.



3. Keeping snakes in plastic blanket boxes has its place in the warehouses of professional breeders but for the average keeper, we wonder why, after starting with a pair of snakes, we somehow become disillusioned and unsatisfied with them and move onto a different 'more advanced' species. Suddenly we find ourselves with corn snakes, kingsnakes, boas, green tree pythons and wonder, amid all the blanket boxes, why we ever started. The daily cleaning and feeding chores are only offset by the fact that we made a little money on the side by selling offspring.
   
   If you are thinking about owning a snake or are already drawn in the direction of purchasing more and more species - I would recommend this book above all others.

3 comments about Bearded Dragon (Success with a Reptile Pet).

1. This book is great for beginners just starting out with keeping beardies. Well-illustrated with many beautiful photographs. Easy to understand and covers the basics of each aspect of keeping dragons. Fantastic and detailed info on feeding. This book is a great companion for the other book I purchased called "The Bearded Dragon Manual" by Philippe De Vosjoli.



2. This book offers lots of info on the care, health, and maintenence of bearded dragons. Also, it is a very specific guide for feeding, tank setup, breeding, incubator setup, and raising hatchlings. This book also points out the behavioural characteristics of bearded dragons and what they are "saying" to you or another bearded dragon. I found the courtship section to be most helpful when my boyfriend and I wanted to see if our beardies would co-habitate in a friendly manner. This book has photographs of different color phases of bearded dragons, and would make a great coffee table book.



3. I have a bearded dragon named Mojove,she is very healthy and strong . I have decided to breed bearded dragons , I still have lots to learn but this book helped me alot. It explained the basics of breeding to the very complicated things like building an incubator.My favorite thing about this book was the photography, it showed everything about bearded dragons. Mothers burrowing eggs, different breeds of bearded dragons etc... . I love bearded dragons, mine is my pride and joy , this book helped me understand the habits and thinking of bearded dragons. It explained diet for bearded dragons and their mating behaviors, their housing and how to raise baby beardies. I highly recomend this book &, a bearded dragon.Thanks a lot! P.s- Leonardo Dicaprio owns a beardie named Blizz.

5 comments about Rhacodactylus: The Complete Guide to their Selection and Care.

1. This book is a description in very specific details of the rhacodactylus family. I find it very important to know where these animals come from, how to maintain them in the most naturalistic way possible, etc. This book is a must need for Rhacodactylus keepers!
   
   5 big thumbs up!



2. The nature of human beings is to explore, to examine, and to try to understand everything around us. This book benefits our instinctual search for information about the natural ecosystems around us. It provides us with an insight into the world of some of the rarest and most beautiful creatures in the world and lays bare the world in which they live. Anyone who has an interest in herpetology or is simply hoping to delve into the amazing world of reptile study can gain so much from this book and from Phillipe De Vosjoli's other outstanding and contemplative works.



3. This is by far the best book in print on Rhac's. It covers Crested, Gargoyle, Chahoua, and the Giant Leachianus Geckos among others. It has sections on all aspects of careing for them including breeding. Many helpful photos to demonstrate the various color and structure morphs (especially of the Crested Geckos). The only thing that could be added here (maybe in a second edition) is what combinations of different morphs are likely to produce what morphs. Also some info on on temperature sex determination for incubation temps would be helpful in the future after more research is done in this area. The Authors all have plenty of first hand experience and some of the largest collections of these geckos in the world. All in all, the best book available on Rhac's at this time.



4. This book is excellant! The text is thorough, and the illustrations are phenomenal. There is virtually no stone left unturned. Every question concerning the husbandry and natural history of rhacodactylus is explored and explained. The authors attention to detail is unmatched. This book is a must have for any person whom wants to own, or already owns any species of rhacodactylus, novice and expert alike.



5. This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in this amazing group of geckos. Rhacodactylus are a small group of geckos that are found only on the island of New Caledonia, that lies roughly between Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand. For such a small group, these geckos occur in a diverse array of beautiful and often bizarre forms. One member of this genus, Rhacodactylus leachianus, holds the distinction of being the largest living species of gecko in the world, reaching a total length of up to 17 inches and weighing nearly a pound!

   I have been keeping reptiles for 30+ years. I can remember back when the only readily available books on reptile or amphibian care had lots of pretty (or sometimes not so pretty and often mislabeled) pictures, but little useful information on the natural history or husbandry of these animals. Worse yet, what little information was there was frequently just plain wrong! Those of us who were really dedicated to the hobby had to go to university libraries and search out obscure zoo and animal care journals to gain insight on how to keep our animals healthy, happy and reproducing.

   That all changed when Philippe de Vosjoli introduced his Advanced Vivarium Systems "Care and Maintenence" series of books that emphasized good, solid husbandry information, based on years of research by the top experts in the field. Many of these he authored or co-authored himself along with some of the other top reptile and amphibian keepers in the world. The goal of these books was to make good, solid information on proper care of reptiles and amphibians readily available, both to long time keepers and people just starting out in the hobby.

   This latest work by he and his co-authors, Frank Fast and Allen Repashy, is one of his best and most ambitious works yet. In addition to the main authors, the information in this book has been compiled from many of the other top gecko keepers/breeders in the the U.S. and Europe. The book covers all six species and 2 subspecies of Rhacodactylus, giving descriptions of each, and excellent information on all aspects of their husbandry and breeding. Everything from nutrition, caging, breeding and much more are covered in great detail. In addition, the book contains some of the latest information on the habitat and ecology of these animals, along with numerous beautiful pictures of the different forms and color morphs of the geckos and their habitats.

   This book is also an excellent companion volume for anyone lucky enough to own the now out of print Rhacodactylus - Biology, Natural History and Husbandry by Robert Seipp and Friedrich Wilhelm Henkel. The new book updates and greatly expands on much of the information presented in the earlier book.

   I would highly recommend Rhacodactylus: The Complete Guide to their Selection and Care to not only those of us that work with, or want to work with these animals, but also to anyone who just wants to know more about these beautiful and amazing creatures.

No comments about Aquatic Turtles (Complete Herp Care).