5 comments about Ferrets For Dummies.

1. Ferrets for Dummies is a must have for anyone considering purchasing a ferret or who has one. Not only does it include what to expect from ferrets, but articles on illness, recipes for ferret treats and more.



2. This book covers a variety of topics and I was very satisfied with the content. I'm not going to be able to get a ferret for a couple months so I bought this book to learn about them before getting one. I couldn't think of anything else I'd want in a ferret book. Because of how detailed the information is I decided I wouldn't have time for a ferret for a while yet. This book saved me from spending money on a ferret, a cage and all the supplies needlessly.



3. Being prepared for your new fuzzy is the most important step you can do in your entire experience of owning a ferret. This is the most complete book on ferrets out there and is recommended by my ferret's vet and rescue shelter. If you are going to buy only one book, make this one it!
   
   Not only good for those thinking about getting a ferret, but also good for those who just got one or even and old pro. It is packed with easy to read info!



4. Great book! Lots of new information in addition to the first Ferrets for Dummies book. Diffidently a must have if you are looking into owning or adopting a ferret or if you already have ferrets. The more you can learn about your ferrets, the better for the ferrets.



5. This is a wonderful book for the experienced ferret owner or the beginner. I've read other books and they only scratch the surface with information compared to this book. I learned so much from reading this. It covers every subject you can think of when it comes to ferrets in depth. I highly recommend this to any ferret owner.

5 comments about The Goat Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. From a guy who likes playing farmer after work and on the weekends...
   I first want the goats to help clear about 7 acres of thick woods and brush after that I would like to start milking. Just enough for family and friends when they stop by. This book didn't get me any closer to the knowledge level I would like to be at to start either of these projects. It assumes that the reader knows more than he or she probably does in some sections then breaks things down to the most dull basic level in others.



2. But, seriously, I left on the bench and my goat ripped it up and ate half of it.Tumbleweed Logic



3. Great information in this book and a nice book to have on hand for quick questions that you have.



4. This book covers the basics from shelter and feeding to hoof trimming and deworming, but everything is kept brief for the novice goat owner. Easy to read for goat owners of any age. For the more serious goat owner one of the Storey's Guides such as Storey's Guide to Raising Meat Goats (Storey's Guides to Raising) or Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats: Breeds, Care, Dairying
   would be a better choice.



5. This is one of two books I purchased for my dad who is a new goat owner. He has read this book completely and uses it as a reference on a regular basis.
   He is very happy with the book.

5 comments about Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training: A Complete Guide for Solving Behavioral Problems in Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs, Revised Edition.

1. First of all, I ADORE this book! I am a happy and proud pot-bellied pigger Momma. Ms. Priscilla Valentine has penned what we (in the community of pigger companions/rescuers/lovers) hail as the consumate Pig-Bible! There are lots of great books and websites out there, and I suggest reading and enjoying everything you can, but Ms. Valentine's book makes care and training understandable, achievable, and FUN! Ms. V. doesn't talk down to the newly realized pig family, but rather embraces us all, hooved and round-nosed, and those who love them, alike. This book has a real Chicken Soup for the Soul feel. If you don't have time for a cover-to-cover read, you can read in vignette fashion. Whether you have a PBP or are crazy for the super-intelligent little oinkers, or are just curious, this IS the best book written! FIVE STARS for Ms. Valentine. My one and only complaint, but a legitimate one.. I don't know if it's the economy or what.. but everything I have ordered by mail order lately, has taken an insane amount of time to be delivered. This book took nearly a month to arrive, and the second book I ordered is not here yet. (sigh) Worth the wait, now that it's here, but I doubt I will use Amazon again until things improve. Tentatively Hopeful.. P.A.Hamilton :)



2. I am a first time pig owner, and would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is thinking about "owning" a pig.
   
   The color photo section (probably 20 pages) highlighting her pigs is superfluous, but that certainly does not detract from this book being a solid "how to" book on how to raise a well-behaved house pig.
   
   This book seems to be one of the few good "modern" books (i.e. written this century) about potbellies. Things have changed so much in the potbellied world that anything more than a 5 years old seems positively ancient.
   
   Personally, I think the most valuable part of the book is the insight it gives you into pig psychology. Until I owned one, I had no idea how complex and puzzling these creatures can be. This book definitely helped me understand what was going on inside that pig head.
   
   The training part is pretty fun too, and her methodology definitely works. It's fun to have a pig do tricks. But I really bought the book because I needed some help dealing with a smart, stubborn, willful, spoiled and naughty piglet. f



3. I knew when I got this book that it might not work out as expected since I owned a Papua New Guinea wild boar. I couldn't train him at all with the techniques discussed, although a Vietnamese Potbellied Pig would follow them. My Papua New Guinea wild boar was very wild.
   
   Eventually I had to sell him as meat because he was so undomesticated. In all, this book is perfect for those who want a 500 lb piece of promenading bacon not walking on carpets or flowerbeds.



4. We're a new PBP family and this book is the best that we've read so far!! Valentine is an expert at teaching about these wonderful creatures. I highly recommend this book to any PBP owner; new or not!



5. great reference book for new owners of potbelly pigs. I have three, my first experience and the book is excellent resource. Great color photos! a good bargain

5 comments about Hedgehogs (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. We picked this up at the pet store along with our new hedgehog. We adore the hedgehog, but not the book. Oddly organized, internally inconsistent, not much of a "manual" at all.



2. I would NOT recommend this book AT ALL to ANYONE. They say that a hedgehog needs to be handle WITH gloves which is not okay to do at all. The gloves can mask your scent and cause the hedgehog stress. Also, they say you should keep your hedgehog in about 60-65 degrees which again is NOT true. A hedgehog needs to be in a WARM environment of about 72-80 degrees farenheit. Also, recommending nuts for food.. which is another "no no" because the nuts can get stuck on the roof of their mouths which makes for a vet emergency. I really could go on and on...
   
   This book was horrible. Horrible information that could kill your hedgehog. Seriously.



3. This is an excellent guide for not only the novice of small animals but answers all questions that you may have to get started with your hedgehog and make you a happy hedgy!!



4. I would not reccommend this book to anyone! A lot of the information was wrong and completely inaccurate!
   A good book to get about hedgehogs is The Hedgehog - An Owners Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet. Written by David Wrobel with Susan A. Brown, D.V.M.

   This book is filled with lots of helpful info!




5. I couldn't disagree with the previous reviewers anymore! This book is simply smashing, I mean how often does a chap come across a book about Hedgehogs, and then how often do you find a book with this much information. Really, a bang-up job! As for Cedar wood chips, I will have you know I have raised 5 consectutive hoggies on cedar beds, and they still chase my cat around the house like a whirling dervish. This book is smashing, and I would advise anyone interested in raising hoggies to read it.

5 comments about Rabbit Health in the 21st Century Second Edition: A Guide for Bunny Parents.

1. This book covers all the health-related issues your rabbit may face and for this reason it is necessary for all rabbit owners.
   
   It is well-written, with simple and clear approach of the health problems your rabbit may face and not only suggests actions for the health problems but also help you to be prepared to identify and act in any emergency.
   
   I put 4 stars instead of 5 due to monochrome-printed layout and I would like to see more descriptive photos/pictures.



2. This book has a lot of detailed helpful information about raising rabbits. We raise house rabbits and found the information in here to very useful.



3. Detailed perspective from a rabbit owners experiences. Easy to read and understand. Updated information from a Veterinarian who's worked with exotics, and the Author's Rabbits. Great section on proper Veterinary Etiquette.



4. This is the second time I purchased this book. I owned the first edition and when the second came out, I had to have it. The book is greatly reassuring at 11:30 at night when your discover something wrong with your bunny and the vet won't be available until morning. My our case, the book enabled us to diagnose our bunny's diabetes, something that our vet missed even though she is a "bunny expert". A must for every pet rabbit owner!!!



5. Since rabbits are prey animals they hide illness really well. That's why its important for rabbit keepers to know how to see even the faintest signs of illness and what they mean. The book educates the reader on common illness and their treatments and more chronic illnesses. The author covers drugs, how safe they are, and what they do and discusses alternative medicine. The book has also been reviewed by a vet before publishing so the information can be trusted. This goes beyond what a standard rabbit care book, this is a rabbit health book. Use it as a supplement to a good rabbit care book like the House Rabbit Handbook or Rabbits for Dummies. I recommend this over the Rabbitopaedia, which has incorrect information in it.

4 comments about Tarantulas and Other Arachnids.

1. This is a good starter book for tarantula hobbyists with lots of great pictures to help identify various spider breeds. A good addition to any spider library.



2. This book has been extremly helpful. Recommend to all who have or plan on having Tarantulas.



3. If you are interested in owning a tarantula or are new to the hobby I highly reccomend this book. It is well writen to the point and covers a lot of BASIC care information without getting to scientific or to historical. Great pictures and it has a pretty good section on different tarantulas in the hobby (talks about the temprement, housing, etc,) which will help you to choose what tarantula is right for you. This is a must for any tarantula hobbyist. Well worth your money.



4. Whether new to having a pet tarantula, or a little further along in the hobby, this is a great book to have on hand. All the basic questions/concerns about keeping a tarantula are well-covered in this book. There are also many beautiful color photos of tarantulas that will make you want to keep expanding your collection! There is far less information on keeping other spiders and scorpions, but it is still very helpful if you are starting out.

5 comments about Scorpions (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

1. I bought this book just to get some basic information, since the female scorp. I bought at the pet store had babies last year....and I didn't expect so much information! I love it! Very glad I bought this book, the author is great, humorous in some areas, and very easy to read! Buy this book, you won't regret it :)



2. This is an excellent starter book and also has more in-depth information than what is required for simple husbandry (e.g. the section on breeding has what appear to be good suggestions and lots of factlets). Although it may have some inaccuracies, it would seem that this book alone is sufficient to get one started in raising the suggested (beginner) scorpions - not that one shouldn't seek more information, but we just purchased a couple Emperor scorpions and so far, the book has covered everything we appear to need. Photos and diagrams are excellent!



3. Despite a few inaccuracies and errors described elsewhere by another reviewer, this book will offer anyone new to keeping scorpions or who is curious about these most remarkable of animals an easy to read offering covering many diverse aspects of scorpions.
   For those interested in keeping scorpions in captivity with little or no experience, this book should be considered a must read (along with "The Biology of Scorpions" by Gary A. Polis), as it offers a great deal of general information and care and maintenance information in an easy to read format for layperson and advanced keeper alike.
   I'd recommend this book (and have dozens of times) to anyone with even a passing interest in scorpions.



4. Wonderful resource for those who are looking for information on these amazing invertebrates. Basic care and important warnings about the collection and maintance of these new additions to the pet world. A resource for the beginner to the advanced .



5. Or, before you allow your son to buy. hehehe

   I know that should go without saying but not everyone realizes how serious a thing this sort of "pet" is. This book covers how easily scorpions can make their escape and describes how to safely house them. As a mother that is my main concern.

   I was pleased at how well the safety issues are covered in this area and we have been using this book to discuss with our son the importance of proper care and housing of a creature like this BEFORE he even buys one.

5 comments about Hermit Crabs: Complete Pet Owner's Manual.

1. Even though I don't own any hermit crabs, I see them for sale in pet stores often and was interested in learning more about them. Sue Fox's book is an excellent introduction, with basic information (behavior, appearance, etc.) not only about pet land hermit crabs, but also wild ones. She additionally provides information about wild marine hermit crabs. There are plenty of clear close-up photographs detailing hermit crabs of various sizes and colorations (wild ones).
   
   It's a great and quick read for anyone interested in this unique animal, owner or not. Pet owners, however, might wish for a bit more care information; it seems like a lot was as of yet unknown when the book was written. As a non-owner, I felt as though all of the information was of interest, which means owners may find the more specific care information lacking.



2. I have had hermit crabs most of my life. So, when my son asked to get some while at the beach I couldnt say no. To brush up on my knowledge I got this book. It covers everything. Great for the beginner or someone who has crabs. Beautiful pictures through out the book. I have a few books this is the ONE I recommend.



3. This book is just what it says it is. I learned so much about my cabs that I didn't know. I only wish that is would tell me exactly what the enjoy to eat but it said that you have to learn what they like and don't like. Just like each of us like and dislike things they do to.



4. I picked up this book because we recently got two hermit crabs and I wanted to learn more about taking care of them. While this book was among the more helpful I've come across on the subject, I was hoping it would be more detailed. Everything in it was useful, and it helped me know what to do for the basics, but I want to go a little more advanced.



5. I found the book to be extremely informative and helpful.
   there was a great deal of information that i found very useful. Very pleased with this product.

5 comments about Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus.

1. As author of Storey's new book, The Donkey Companion, I reviewed many in-print and out-of-print donkey books prior to writing my own. This was hands-down one of my favorites. These folks truly know and love donkeys. Don't miss this book!



2. I own donkeys and I did not get any useful information. I got the Idea they just visted farms with donkeys and then thew a lot of technicial information that does not help understand the donkey.



3. A wonderful, warm insightful book on the delightful donkey. I read it shortly after becoming a proud owner of 2 donkeys and LOVED it. More than a how to tend your donkey book but a how to appreciate donkeys (and all other creatures)book. You don't even have to know where to pin the tail on a donkey to appreciate this book - and how donkeys are woven into our history and psyche. Read it and cherish it.



4. I had been wanting this book for a long time, but was a bit disapointed with it when I finally got it. The writers' hearts were certainly in the right place, but it was very badly edited. Many of the sentences didn't make complete sense and many times beautiful ideas were thrown out but not developed at all. I think a really good editing job would help the authors do justice for these wonderful animals.
   I enjoyed "Travels with My Donkey" much more.



5. There are many great things about the book. The images - photos and artwork are outstanding. There are lots of surprising facts about donkeys, mules, and the history of civilization. There is beautiful writing - weaving between the personal and the universal. There is rigorous, careful scholarship, a treasure trove of careful citations to explore. The book has a majestic sweep and keen attention to detail and accuracy. Any one of these aspects of the book would make it worth the modest price. But The truly wonderful thing about this book and the beast it describes, is that it makes you think. The book nudges the reader into unanticipated realms of philosophical reflection. It is deep and rich and wise, but like the burro, humble, sensually centered and honest. You are, for example, reading along - facts about donkeys - and then, all of a sudden, you get something like this: "What do we really know about animals? What can we say with accuracy about ourselves?" Chew on that a while! The book has dozens of such moments, opportunities to step out of the crazy, violent, acquisitive struggles of our historical moment to consider some fundamentals of the mammalian and human condition. It's a great book about a great animal and our connection to the animal world. I own two burros and have long looked to them for council. This book is utterly accurate in its portrayal of the species. It's affectionate and respectful, happliy missing the kitsch and anthropomorphism that most writers bring to books about their favorite animals. Don't miss it.

5 comments about Ferret Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. This was the book I purchased when I adopted Fuzzy, 5 years ago. It has all the information you need if you have never taken a ferret into your home and your life.
   Sadly, Fuzzy has passed away, as of two days prior to this writing. She lived for 8 years, (she was almost 3 years old when I took her home), and her health was excellent until her last year. She was my little buddy, and I took her with me almost everywhere.
   For those who would consider keeping ferret:
   -They are not like dogs and cats, they need to interact with you very closely. Give them as much attention as possible.
   -Ferrets are highly intelligent animals. Even if they seem indifferent, they really aren't. Young ferrets may seem more preoccupied with exploring the house, or playing with toys, but they still need your care and love (ferrets become more openly affectionate with age).
   -Because they are intelligent, and therefore curious, they will get into extraordinary mischief, and they do break things. A KEEPER OF FERRETS MUST HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR! In fact, weasel-mischief can be quite hilarious from our perspective!
   -Ferrets have very little fear, and very little sense of caution, they require your supervision to keep them safe! They can easily get lost or in an accident without your watchful eye! They need you!
   -Although cages are sold for ferrets, FERRETS ARE NOT MEANT TO BE CAGED for long periods. The cage is there to keep them safe when there are potential unsafe conditions, such as cleaning the house, etc.
   -Ferrets like to nip and bite. This is not because they are wild, vicious, or mean, its just the way they play and communicate with each other. They assume you are no different!
   -They also relieve themselves quite a bit, and require frequent cleaning of their living-spaces. If your gut or bladder was as tiny, you would "go" just as often!
   -Ferrets have a musty odor, but its not so bad, and you will get used to it. Besides, they are also soft, warm, and furry.
   Sadly, there are many ferrets that wind up with abusive and neglectful people. These kind of people brought a ferret home because they want to show-off, or some such thing. When they realize that caring for an animal requires work and compassion, thats where the trouble starts, and the ferret suffers quite badly. If you are not one of "those kind of people", and you care for animals, you will probably make a ferret's brief life very happy.



2. The best ferret book that I have ever bought or read. Has so much more than the other books out their. You will find more on ferret colors than anyplace else. More on health and care and feeding that I have found. And the best is the Understanding Ferret Behavior!! cant go wrong with that. The book jacket (on the back)says it all The Ferret Handbook The Information You Need to Raise a Happy and Healthy Ferret. Facts, advice, and fascinating insight tell you all you need to know and much more..



3. If you've never owned a ferret before or feel like you're not knowledgable enough with the fuzzies you have now, this is a great book. It covers all the basics one needs to know when caring for a ferret, or multiples. Including ferret proofing your home, basic training technics with multiple suggestions for different behavioral problems since no two ferrets are a like and will respond differently and many many other topics. I enjoyed this book and found it very informative since at the time I purchased it I felt I needed to learn more about my sweet little fuzzies and sure did! A great book.



4. This book tells you about everything you need to now about Fuzzies, carpet sharks, or Ferrets.



5. I just lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvve this book it described everything I needed to know!