Customer Reviews

The Biology, Husbandry and Health Care of Reptiles (3 Volumes Set)

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This is wonderfully edited 3 volume set which is one of the best and most complete series on reptiles available. Even when compared to veterinary texts, which often only focus in on one aspect of biology, the Ackerman, et. al stands heads and shoulders above them as a resource tool. Having purchased this set two years ago, I only have one regret and that is having not bought this sooner. Being an amateur herpetologists for the past twenty-two years, I find this to be a resource that is always helpful.

Volume One - Biology of Reptiles = This is a great overview of the biology and physiology of the world's reptiles. This volume focuses mainly on the more "popular" reptiles seen in captivity, but most of this data can be applied to other species as well. The anatomical charts and dissection photos are also very useful in knowing the locations of important structures (very helpful for Vol.3) and anatomical landmarks.

Volume Two - The Husbandry of Reptiles = WOW! This volume is worth the price of admission alone - I have not seen anything as thorough as this for the captive care of any reptile species let alone an entire phyla. Housing, diet, breeding, light spectrums (species specific), hibernation - its all in here and in detail.

Volume Three - The Healthcare of Reptiles = This is the volume that sold me on the entire set. This covers many ailments and pathogens that can affect reptile species. Symptoms, preventive measures, and medications (with dosages) are plotted out in charts and diagrams; color photos of pathological conditions and treatment are given; dietary supplements; surgical and necropsy protocols and procedures are also included.

All three volumes are filled with full color photographs and plenty of charts and text. I have seen this set quoted at many different prices and I suggest you shop around be it online or at a herp store...

This set of three volumes are wonderfully illustrator and well written. Each book is geared to a different aspect of reptiles care. The first covers in great detail the biology of all reptiles species. They document and show detailed photos of each species anatomy so that you will understand how a reptile functions. In the husbandry volume, they cover everything from proper housing to diet with examples and photos of what to look for if something is incorrect and the reptile is ill. I was very impressed with the health care one. It was so well done that I felt my vet could do a procedure detailed in it (that they might not have dealt with yet in their practice) with ease. This set is a must for anyone serious in the study and raising of any reptile.

This text proves useful in understanding the physiological make-up of herps in volume 1. The volume on husbandry (vol.2) is weak if you are looking for species specific information or in-depth information regarding vivarium set up. The real strength of the work lies in the final volume on discussing the health care of reptiles. The Ackerman and Ackerman work does not eclipse Frye's _Reptile Care_ but it does give more recent clinical applications on the medical care of your herps than its predecessor. Overall, it is a wise investment for both hobbyists and professionals.

These 3 volumes should be on every herpetoculturist's bookshelf. These are not treatises on the complete array of reptiles but in depth essays on particular topics applicable to any.

The downside - many typos, grammatical and 'flow' errors.
The upside - An incredible bibliography of references.

This three-volume, behemoth of a bible on reptile care and medicine covers almost any topic you can think of or might encounter, either as a herpetoculturist, veterinary nurse or veterinarian.

Although some topics lack detail, this is understandable considering the sheer size of the books and the vast amount of subjects that are touched. Sometimes a little extra research will be needed if you want to know more, but for most purposes, this set is more than adequate.

The only deterrant is its price (and maybe its weight!), however it is well worth the money.