Customer Reviews

The Boa Constrictor Manual (The Herpetocultural Library)

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4 star:		(1)
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The Boa Constrictor Manual addresses just about everything a boa keeper needs to know in order to maintain a healthy animal. It covers topics from subspecific differences and the new color morphs of boas, to revolutions in cage design, health, and breeding. The Manual also provides an extremely important section on safety in handling large constrictors and other reptiles. This book offers tips on selecting a healthy boa and discusses the many different methods used for environmental control, caging, feeding, and maintenance. It is extremely informative and easy to read, with lots of color and B&W photos, and also includes a basic trouble-shooting guide to boa health. Personally, I would have liked to see even more background information on some of the subspecific differences in various Boa constrictor taxa, as well as reasons for why certain taxonomic names are debatable or obsolete. It seems, however, that this is an area in which most boa books are lacking, and the Boa Constrictor Manual provides more info than many other books on the market. Altogether, this book is a pleasure to read and easy to understand. This, combinded with the fact that it is offered at a very reasonable price makes it an essential part of any boa keeper's educational resources.

If you could only buy one book on Boa Constrictors, this would be it. I had the first printing of this title, and just got the updated version- definitely an improvement. The book details all aspects of their care and breeding, and gives you the hard facts of owning these large beautiful creatures. You will not find redundant or conflicting information unlike some other boa books. Even if you are only considering getting a red tail, do yourself a favor and read this book to find out what you're getting yourself into. I also recommend the books "What's wrong with my Snake?" and "Understanding Reptile Parasites" if you own or are thinking of owning a boa.

Anyone thinking of owning a boa constrictor must read this book. I foster abandoned boas and this book would save the snake and future owners lots of trauma. Buy it now!

I was impressed by the no-nonsence approch of this book. If you are looking for useful, up-to-date information on Boas this is your book.

I had owned a copy of the original version of this book, and I have to say that this updated edition is even better. It's got some great information about breeding, disease and care that goes far beyond what the original contained, making it even more valuable than before. Like probably almost everyone else says, if you're only going to buy one book regarding the proper husbandry of boa constrictors, this is the book you should buy. It's so reasonably priced, there's no excuse not to.

Many pet shop workers don't know enough to give you decent care instructions for a goldfish, let alone a boa. These snakes are no joke. If you get one and decide you can't handle it after a certain point, you'll discover that finding someone to take it off your hands is not easy. (I would highly recommend not buying a snake at all, but rescuing one.)

My Columbian boa was acquired as an 18" infant. By age six, he was ten feet long and, at his widest point, as big around as the narrowest part of my thigh. He gladly ate pre-killed food and never had a sick day in his life, thanks to a good exotic pet vet. and this remarkable book.

De Vosjoli knows what he's talking about. From species ID to safe and appropriate handling to housing, humidity, and temperature requirements, this book can't be bettered. Given some of the snake-handling mishaps that end up in the news now and then, it's refreshing to find a book that dares to admonish us thusly: "Don't be stupid."

A very good overview of boa care, I would recomend it to anyone thinking of getting a boa, or any one who has one and wants to learn more.

This is the best book to get if you own or want to own a boa constrictor. This books helps me when my boa has problems. It should help you too.