This easy-to-read text tells exactly why it is that boas and pythons rank among the most popular pet snakes and provides valuable information about selecting and caring for them.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, and behavior of boa constrictors.

A Beginning Vivarium Systems guide, Snakes is an entertaining and educational introduction to the world of snakes of all sizes, colors, and personalities. Beginning snake keepers of all ages will find intriguing information about common and unusual snakes in this colorful guide by herp expert Russ Case. The book offers readers who are looking to adopt a snake the right guidance for purchasing a healthy specimen and for creating a safe, comfortable home where the pet snake can thrive. Beginners will learn about the anatomy of snakes and their behavior in the wild and in captivity. The chapter “Snake Food” is a lesson in how to feed snakes so that owners meet all of the special needs of their pets. The chapter “Great Beginner Snakes” present the most common species for newcomers to snakes, including such favorites as the corn snake, California king snake, ball python, and the rosy boa, each illustrated with color photos and explained in clear everyday language. Additional examples of “Other Amazing Snakes” are included, such as the boa constrictor, Burmese python, reticulated python, king cobra, rattlesnake, which are fascinating to read about though not recommended for beginners. A chapter on potential health problems gives a basic overview of how to care for and maintain captive snakes in the best of health. Sidebars throughout the text give the reader good advice on dos and don’ts to avoid common mistakes keepers make with these pet animals. Glossary included.

"Provides basic information about boas and pythons and keeping them as pets"--Provided by publisher.

Still the most popular large snake in the pet world, the boa constrictor of South America is a hardy, beautiful snake that is fairly docile and considered safe when handled properly. In The Boa Constrictor Manual, world-renowned herp expert Philippe de Vosjoli has written a concise and useful guide, well illustrated with color photographs, that offers all of the information a boa keeper needs to maintain a pet snake safely and in the best of health. This Advanced Vivarium Systems title includes information about selecting and purchasing a healthy boa constrictor, proper housing and maintenance needs, feeding, and safe handling. Dr. Roger Klingenberg, a herp veterinary specialist, has written a special health chapter on diseases and disorders, with particular emphasis on the dreaded boa AIDS (inclusion body disease or IBD) as well as parasitism, respiratory disease, and more. The chapter concludes with a six-page chart on troubleshooting health concerns, which all boa constrictor keepers will find useful for general upkeep and recognizing and dealing with serious issues. Beyond the husbandry and health of boa constrictors, this book offers an excellent chapter by Jeff Ronne on breeding Colombia boa constrictors, beginning with the size and health of breeding and animals and the female’s cycling to the birth and care of newborns. Resources and index included.