1 comments about Green Anoles: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems.

1. This book is thin. I didn't read anything in this book that I had not already read on the internet for free. Not worth it.

2 comments about Venomous Snakes: Snakes in the Terrarium.

1. Ludwig Trutnau's "Venomous Snakes: Snakes in the Terrarium" has been considered the classical work on venomous snake husbandry in German-speaking countries for years, and is now finally available in English. Translated by Donald Stremme, the original format and plates were all maintained in the English version, with the exception of some of the legality aspects. In fact, several taxonomic updates were undertaken in the English version that had since become outdated in the German version.
   
   The book is written specifically for herpetoculturists, and therefore focuses on captive husbandry techniques and propagation data for each of the species. The species accounts also include relevant information on the behavior and demeanor of the given taxa. In these aspects, the book offers more valuable information than probably any other work of herpetological literature available.
   
   The book does not offer any taxonomic keys and contains generally little taxonomic information. Basic descriptions are provided in the beginning of each species account, including appearance and distribution, but is kept rather basic in accordance with its goal and intented target audience. There is hardly any information on the biology of the discussed taxa.
   
   Bottom line: This book is an absolute must for herpetoculturists, zoo keepers and herpetologists who maintain live specimens in their labs, as it contains more useful husbandry and captive propagation info than any other available book. On the other hand, herpetology students and anyone with a more academic interest in the subject is not likely to benefit very much from this book.



2. Venomous Snakes: Snakes In The Terrarium by Ludwig Trutnau is finally available for an American readership having been competently translated into English by veterinarian Donald W. Stremme. Providing full and complete descriptions of 171 difference species, Venomous Snakes is beautifully enhanced with 126 color photographs. The highly accessible text describes the behavior and care in captivity of venomous snakes from the Elapidae family (cobras, kraits, coral snakes); Viperidae family (adders, vipers); and Crotalidae family (pitvipers). Subspecies and color variations are expertly detailed as well. Informed and informative, Venomous Snakes is a critically important and basic addition to the professional reference library and supplemental reading lists of zookeepers, herptoculturists, veterinary clinics, and academic library collections.

2 comments about Iguana Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks).

1. As I read through "The Iguana Handbook", I was sorely disappointed, but not because the book was bad. In fact, the book was so detailed and accurate that it made me reconsider getting a baby iggy until I could house it in its adult form. Too many people get an iguana without thinking about what the future holds, and what needs to be done for one. I am happy to announce that this book will help to impart some of the knowledge necessary to make an iguana a happy and thriving member of your family.

   Richard D. and Patricia Pope Bartlett are the consummate author team when it comes to herpetology and they show it well as they painstakingly illustrate the life and needs of a properly-cared-for Green Iguana (and some of its confamiliars). With their assistance, it is no longer necessary for captive iggies to suffer from Metabolic Bone Disease and other such ailments inflicted upon them by poor diet. They also tell how to build a lovely cage, take care of an iggy out-of-doors, house one with other lacertilians, breed them and many other useful tidbits.




2. Finally, a good book with all true information. If you want an iguana book this is one of the few to get. Easy to read and is written by experienced iguana owners. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Reptile Medicine and Surgery.

1. This is the BEST reptile book i ever had the pleasure of owning! Brilliant pictures, easy to read text and very complete tables!
   If you are a veterinary surgeon starting your experience on reptiles dont think twice... It was my case and i just loved it... this one lays next to Guilhermo Couto Small Animal Medicine and Theresa Fossum on my top 3 Veterinary Surgeons Bibles!



2. Hi!
   I just want to make you now that I'm satisfied because the service. I might buy more products later.
   
   Your friend Marlene.



3. Simply put, I am still in awe over the amount of information in this book. This is a MUST have for any reptile Vet, and anyone who is serious about keeping or breeding reptiles. Do not let the cost put you off. The info inside is worth much, much, more than they ask.



4. Very comprehensive, much better than 1st edition. Recommend to anyone seeing reptiles in practice.



5. It is over a hundred dollars but put it off this is the book. You won't need any others.

1 comments about Popular Amphibians (Advanced Vivarium Systems).

1. This book details the general types of naturalistic vivaria suitable for amphibians and tells, to a decent degree how to set them up--what plants are suitable, how to plant and grow them, etc. This itself is nice, and makes the book worthwhile; if you're an amphibian person, this would be a good reference for that section alone, as naturalistic vivaria are well suited for amphibians, and vice versa. Also, he covers communal tanks to the best of his ability, detailing what's worked for him.
   
   However, he does not collaborate with others on this book, meaning that his experince is most of what you get. Although DeVosloji has great experince, and is an accomplished herpetoculturist, this excludes many species of commonly kept amphibians; Horned Frogs, White's Tree Frogs, BullFrogs, Red Eye Tree Frogs are all among the common species left out of the species care section.
   
   That said, he does discuss how to piece together information on how to care for an animal based on what is known of it's natural habitat, something I dearly wish more titles would do, as it is impossible to give care information for every species.
   
   This book is very useful for vivarium design, and for general information on disease and vivarium maintence (esp. with water quality advice) but is an incomplete guide to species care. I feel it's still worth 4 stars, due to the extensive section on how to set up and maintain a vivarium well, and because he discusses how to figure out an animal's care based on habitat. However you will need other resources besides just this book

1 comments about Reptilian Incubation: Environment, Evolution, and Behaviour.

1. Yes, the title is aptly-named.
   
   This book wrangles the diverse apsects of reptile egg biology into a format that someone without specific training in embryology will be able to appreciate (at least for the most part).
   
   It is not a quick read, but the content of each section hints that if you are working on an investigation pertaining to reptile incubation parameters and you're not citing this work, you may be missing something.
   
   This book roundly covers the following topics, with each section authored by an absolute expert in the field...
   
   Reptilian incubation: evolution and the fossil record
   Thermal, hydric and respiratory climate of nests
   Egg morphology and composition
   Patterns of embryonic development
   Effects of incubation temperature
   Water in reptilian eggs and hatchlings
   Energy provision and utilization
   Adaptive consequences of developmental plasticity
   Temperature-dependent sex determination
   Post-hatching phenotypic effects of incubation in reptiles
   Artificial incubation
   Perspectives in reptilian incubation
   
   All of these 12 sections have multiple sub-sections, with many new questions being raised in each. This book is very academic in nature, right down to the overwhelming price tag, which will unfortunately deter a second audience who could greatly benefit from it - the private herpetoculturist. This book will provide a foundation for independent thought, interpretation and adaptation that step-by-step books on incubation will not. If you have the money and are not a terribly A.D.D. reader, obtain a copy of this book.

5 comments about The Green Iguana Manual (Herpetocultural Library).

1. I have not read this book, and if it actually suggests feeding animal protein, (meat), to your Iguana I wouldn't bother. It was written in the early 90's when sound Iguana dietary needs were still being re formulated.
   There's probably still allot of sound advice in the book, just weigh it with up to date information like Melissa Kaplan's Iguana's for dummies, or James Hatfield's Green Iguana The Ultimate Owner's Manual. Or check out the Green Iguana Society, on the net. It's free and there are hundreds of other Iguana keepers to talk to.



2. I do not recomend this book to any iguana owner. This book is by far the worst iguana book I have seen yet. The nutrition section is out of date. It says to feed your iguana meat!?!, and commercial iguana foods! Iguanas are strict herbivores and with this information, it can cause kidney failure! Im only 13 and i know better than to listen to this book, I honestly think you should turn to Green iguana, the ultimate owners manual, by James W. Hatfield for better results.
   With all do respect
   Eric Tortorici



3. This book is the most useful on the market for iguana owners both new and experienced. It presents information that is accurate, precise and complete. As a veterinarian board certified in nutrition and internal medicine, who has published on the growth of iguanas and on dietary protein and kidney function in mammals, I can vouch that the presentation of protein nutrition is up-to-date and correct (see Journal of Nutrition, 1998, and elsewhere). I agree with de Vosjoli's recommendations on diet and feeding. This book is a must read for all owners of the green iguana.



4. The Green Iguana Manual by Philippe De Vosjoli is often recommended by pet owners and veterinarians. However, the nutritional information is out of date. Animal protein in any amount is no longer recommended in iguana diets, including diets for juveniles. Following this manual for nutrition information could mean your iguana ends up with kidney and/or liver failure and a shortened lifespan. Please see the 1996 edition of Reptile Medicine and Surgery for iguana diet information.



5. Includes very detailed information on the environmental
   and dietary requirements of green iguanas in captivity.
   A must read for all iguana owners

No comments about The Terrarium: With Full-Color Photographs (Complete Pet Owner's Manual).

No comments about Invertebrates as Pets: Keeping and Caring for Millipedes, Centipedes, Scorpions and Tropical Cockroaches.

3 comments about The Guide to Owning Uromastyx & Butterfly Agamids.

1. I have a slightly different edition that the one pictured (as far as I know they are the same title and author different cover picture). Really isn't a good guide alone for caring of a Uromastyx and really not much information if you're looking for Butterfly Agamids. Lots of pictures which often interrupt the writing, sometimes the picture doesn't have much to do with the topic it is surrounded by. Reads more like a Zoo Book article than a serious guide. Not a total waste (not kinderling for your next bon fire) it can be slightly informative with other sources.
   Side note: I found it funny that I could not find a publishing date in or around the book itself.



2. This book has not enough information, and actually some of it is even false, if you know anything at all about the care and keeping of uros. I am a uro owner and belong to a uro club, and found that there is alot of important information that is not included in this book. It is mostly pictures, and doesn't even have info on some of the most common species of this lizard. I wouldn't bother buying this, you'd get better info out on the net from actual uro owners than you would from this book.



3. Some good color photos. The book is reasonably informative, but like most amateur books and magazine articles, glosses over some of the important issues like problems encountered keeping Uromastyx and doesn't make much use of what is already published about these lizards in the literature. Additionally, there are some incorrectly labeled photos.