Product Description

Keeping iguanas, frogs, insects and other invertebrates in a glass world is a popular pursuit.

This practical, fully illustrated guide has everything the enthusiast needs to know, with a focus on beginners. A one-stop reference for those starting out with a terrarium or vivarium, it covers the entire spectrum of suitable animals, from invertebratesto large snakes and lizards. David Alderton explains how to design setups that re-create natural habitats, as well as more clinical environments for closely monitoring difficult or delicate species. A brief account of some of the more suitable vivarium plants and their requirements is also included.

The book is divided into three main sections -- Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates -- with extensive cross-referencing between them. There are detailed presentations on all key areas:

• Basic biology
• Housing
• Equipment
• Controlling the environment
• Furnishings: clinical and naturalistic
• Checklist of plants and methods of planting
• Food and feeding
• Breeding
• Health.

A comprehensive directory of species provides specific information on breeds suitable for beginners. This easy-to-use, illustrated volume presents all the most up-to-date information in a single volume, giving the enthusiast a complete reference.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #360791 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

From Booklist
This reference book contains everything one would need to know about maintaining an indoor environment for live amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Full-color photographs and images of species and care instructions, along with thorough descriptions and directions, make the book easy to understand. The introduction contains information that new owners may be unaware of, such as being wary of using indoor sprays, which can be fatal to the animals. The main text begins with “The Natural History of Vivarium Animals.” This is followed by “Vivarium Setup and Maintenance,” an extremely thorough section describing various enclosures, general care, heating and cooling agents, types of food, breeding, health care, and more.  More than 300 species of amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates are described in three separate sections. Each entry is listed by common name, with mention of the scientific name. The Eastern painted turtle entry, for example, contains a description followed by information on distribution, size, accommodation, behavior, diet, and breeding. Important small details, such as water temperatures for breeding and hatching, are not overlooked. The book’s one-page glossary is not exhaustive but is sufficient, since the language used throughout is not technical. The list of further reading cites texts on specific animals along with Web sites. The index lists both common and scientific names. With its vibrant photographs and easy reading level, this text is suggested for school and public libraries that are in need of a basic guide. Jerry Wall’s Vivaria Designs (BowTie Press, 2007) is useful for those looking for something more advanced. --Kristen Mastel

Review
Full-color photographs ... along with thorough descriptions and directions, make the book easy to understand. (Kristen Mantel Booklist 20080212)

About the Author

David Alderton is internationally well known for his books on pet care, which have sold over six million copies worldwide. He has also written extensively for both specialist and general magazines.

Customer Reviews

Poor book; poor pictures; poor reptiles; poor reader
This book was a complete waste of my time. Fortunately I got it from our local library. The selection of animals is quite limited with some taxa not even featured with a photo. It is more about animals than plants or vivaria per se, and yet, as said, the animals receive only cursory treatments. What is this book for? I suspect it exists to sell books for the company and is not in existence to help new vivaria-ists. Stay away!

Encyclopedia of vivs
Great book. Great pictures! Very educational. Highly recommend if your looking for a broad viv info.