Good Snakekeeping

Book excerpt: Good Snakekeeping offers complete coverage of vital snake care topics, including selection, housing, nutrition, and health care. This comprehensive guide contains entries on more than 35 snake species, from those commonly available—such as boas, rosy boas, pythons, rat snakes, corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes, hognose snakes, pine snakes, longnose snakes, garter snakes, ribbon snakes, green snakes, and more–to subspecies and related species, desirable rarer species, and even species to avoid altogether. Written by an expert snake keeper, the chapters detail the natural range, habitat, pet suitability, and specific care requirements of different snakes. The book also discusses creating habitats for pet snakes, including cage types, substrates, heating, lighting, humidity, and terrarium fixtures, and provides instructions for setting up the enclosure for desert, forest, rainforest, and semi-aquatic species. Full-color photos, sidebars, and tip boxes highlight interesting topics throughout the book. Good Snakekeeping is a must-have for hobbyists of any experience level, from beginner to advanced.