Customer Reviews

Corn and Rat Snakes (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

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I bought this book with the hopes that two specific areas would be addressed. The first area was suitable substrate for snake habitats and husbandry in general. There was virtually no discussion about this topic, other than a brief mention that Europeans like to make elaborate habitats whereas Americans typically go simple. The book does address hide boxes, lighting, heating and water needs, but I really wanted to know what materials made for the best substrate. How often does it need to be cleaned/replaced? How should you go about cleaning a replaceable substrate like calcium sand, etc. Sanitation to me is one of the most important aspects of raising a confined animal and there is no discussion of it whatsoever. Secondly, I wanted to understand the feeding process a little better. After failing to induce a young Texas Rat Snake to feed in recent weeks, I wanted to be sure I understood the fine points of feeding. This book talks about different ways to induce feeding, but it doesn't offer any signs or symptoms to look for when one must consider the last resort of force feeding. Will the herp look gaunt? Will it show any other physical signs indicating starvation is fast approaching? How long is too long to go without eating? It further mentions that sometimes snakes don't eat during the winter months even in captivity. So now I'm really at a loss. This book is a very general guide best suited probably for someone who is sitting on the fence as to whether or not to own a rat snake and has yet to decide what type one is interested in purchasing. If you have already made the decision to raise a rat snake, especially if it will be your first snake, this book is not for you. Something much more specific with regards to the two topics above will be required; otherwise, you are jeopardizing the well being of the animal at worst and at best relying on your own instincts to provide a healthy environment for the snake.

This book has every bit of information pet owners are looking for. There are great colour photos, and each page has a detailed scetch. If you are studying the history of corn or rat snakes, or you just plain like snakes, this book is right for you

I acually bought this book for the pictures,theres some real nice ones.The info is basic and great for a person wishing to learn more about them.But for someone like my self who has been keeping ratsnakes for 15 years, its a great picture book.

I learned a lot from this book. Alaso I tired some of the sugestions.