Product Description
Chapters: Burmese Python, Children's Python, Rock Python, Green Tree Snake, Carpet Snake, White-Lipped Python, Borneo Python, Borneo Short-Tailed Python, Inland Carpet Python, Malayan Short Python, Red Blood Python, Black-Headed Python, Pimbara Olive Python, Diamond Python, Natal Rock Python, Southern African Python, Oenpelli Python, Anthill Python, Pygmy Python, Amethystine Python, Scrub Python, Asiatic Reticulated Python, Regal Python, Spotted Python, Stimson's Python, Timor Python, Ramsay's Python, Sand Python, Woma, Woma Python, Anchieta's Dwarf Python, Angolan Python, Rough-Scaled Python, Boelen's Python, Diamond Snake, Green Tree Python, Macklot's Python, Asiatic Rock Python, Black-Tailed Python, Bredl's Python, Centrilian Carpet Python, Indian Python, Indian Rock Python, Tiger Python, Ball Python, Black Blood Python, Brown Water Python, Royal Python, Sumatran Blood Python, Sumatran Short-Tailed Python, African Rock Python, Bismark Ringed Python, D'albert's Water Python, Children's Pythons, Pitless Pythons, Papuan Python, Eastern Carpet Python, Mcdowell's Carpet Python. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 289. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) is the largest subspecies of the Indian Python and one of the 6 largest snakes in the world, native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of Southern- and Southeast Asia. They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic, but can also be found in trees. Wild individuals average 3.7 metres (12 ft) long, but may reach up to 5.8 metres (19 ft). Burmese Pythons are light-coloured snakes with many brown blotches bordered in black down the back. The perceived attractiveness of their skin pattern contributes to their popularity with both reptile keepers and the leather indust...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=819149 ... Read more

Product Description
Every chapter of the first edition has been reviewed and updated, to include captive breeding projects such as the albino and Calico morphs. New natural history information gained from interviews with Karl Switak, David Wilson and Kamuran Tepedelen make this truly "The More Complete Chondro." Over 200 full-color photographs which is almost 70 new photographs over the first edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Get this Book First.
When you first take this book out of the box, the first thing you will notice is how heavy it is. This is because unlike most books, the pages used to construct this book are high-quality color. The author covers all basic care techniques including his own experiences. Not only this, but there is a large section about breeding PLUS a practical list of reputable vendors (example: Jim Scharphorn at PVC Cages). How can you know for sure if you can trust the quality of a vendor's product without a credible source informing you? Snakes like these can get very expensive to care for and knowing who to trust your cash with is a serious need for new enthusiasts.

Lastly, I could not count how many beautiful color photos are included in this book. There are few books that are worth the purchase cost. This book is an investment because it is priced well for what it includes.

Dont buy this one
Do not buy this book. I want to keep all the good information for myself!!! :P

Excellent husbandry, questionable psychology
Mr. Maxwell obviously cares a lot for the animals and has taken the time to educate the public on how amazing these animals are. His work to give people the tools to take care of the animals correctly is to be commended and I hope he continues it indefinitely.

My only departure with his philosophies is in the psychological impact of human interaction with the snakes. GTP's, and most snakes of the Morelia family, have so much myth surrounding them that people are presenting fear as fact. I currently own multiple GTP's and carpet pythons, some from birth and some rescued as adults from bad homes, and the thing I have to disagree on is the snakes attitude. We have turned every snake with attitude around that we have rescued by meeting it's hierarchy of needs. A good environment, good food, security, and familiarity with humans.

Do GTP's have attitude? Absolutely, that is part of their appeal. Should they be left alone because they can't be handled? Absolutely not, that is fear and myth. There are no bad animals, only bad/lazy owners. If you want to be able to work around and with your GTP you have to handle it so it no longer sees you as a threat. If you are afraid to handle your animal, then you shouldn't own it.

All species of snakes are nippy when they are sub adults and the most important thing to remembers is that 75% of bites from snakes are associated with feeding time, GTP's are no exception. Provided a good environment, work to overcome the snakes instincts by handling it and you will have a stunning pet that you can enjoy hands on :)

Great Book
Book was exactly what I was looking for. Had trouble finding it here in Australia, so I imported it. Came promptly, well packaged and was exactly what I wanted. It was a very informative book, with plenty of pictures and had all the details that I was after! Very much recommended to any snake enthusiast.

Great book. A must have for Chondro lovers/keepers
I bought this book based on the recommendations of fellow Morelia Viridis keepers at [...]This book has all the information you will ever need to keep these beautiful creatures! ... Read more

Product Description
This book is written mainly for those just getting started out in the great adventure of snake keeping. In this book you will find out how to keep many of the hardier snakes. Wonderful color photographs throughout the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, and different varieties of pythons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Best Book I Ever Read!!
This is my review of my book Pythons.I think that it had good facts.It wasn't too long and not too short.This book is for ages,well there is no ages it is just for snake lovers!The only thing I didn't like about it was it didn't tell you how to take care of certain snakes such as the Ball Python. It warned you that if you get a little snake it could get like 13FT long,and that you have to get new cages all the time because they grow so much.It also shows and tells you about many pictures.Well that is what I think of the story Pythons... ... Read more

Product Description
Some of the smaller species in the Python family make interesting exotic pets for adventurous owners. This manual instructs in details of housing, feeding, breeding, and health care. The titles in BarronÂ's Complete Pet OwnerÂ's Manuals series make great introductions to the pleasures and duties of pet ownership for inexperienced and soon-to-be pet owners, as well as for older children having their first experiences with pet care. Attractively illustrated and filled with helpful information, these books advise on purchasing, housing, feeding, health care--and where applicable, grooming and training pets. Each book is individually written by an expert--a trainer, breeder, veterinarian, or other animal specialist. BarronÂ's Complete Pet OwnerÂ's Manuals cover every popular dog and cat breed, as well as bird varieties, hamsters and other small caged animals, fish varieties for aquarium hobbyists, terrarium pets, and even exotics, such as reptiles, amphibians, and scorpions. All books have 70 or more color photos plus instructive line illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Don't bother... do a web search instead...
Initially, I was happy with this book. It seemed to have general information about a variety of pythons and their care requirements. However, this was only at a glance. Once I sat down and actually read through it, I learned how wrong I was.

The information may have been sufficient and up to date at the time of the original publishing, but this book is very outdated. The advances in python keeping and breeding as well as the general knowledge we have of the individual species described in this book are light years beyond what is discussed here.

Most of the information provided is less than any person could find by doing a simple web search (and some of it is less reliable than a random web search).

The species descriptions as well as their care requirements are far too brief (often only 3-4 paragraphs in length). The amount of (current and correct) information offered would not be enough for most children to do an essay on any of the individual species highlighted.

My biggest complaint (by far) was the author's complete inability to be objective when describing the various species. To write that one type of python is "the best", "most beautiful", "favorite", "worst", "meanest", or any of the many other adjectives the author uses is not really helpful to anyone looking to learn (in a non-biased manner) about these animals and it is REALLY detrimental for someone looking for assistance in picking out their next pet.

Do yourself a favor - move along, find a book specific to the species you are interested in and then find someone who actually works with these animals and spend some time holding them and learning about them first hand. If you are looking for your next project or pet... go to a reptile show and talk with some of breeders there. At least then you can see the animals first hand and get some up to date information about them. (Your opinion should be what counts... not the author's.)

Good Basic Overview of Pythonidae
Like most herp care books currently on the market, this is a good once over the world look at the captive care and husbandry of pythons.Though a bit outdated in some areas, the beginning reptile enthusiast will find value in the husbandry information, while more experienced herpers will find the species guide a useful quick reference.

Good if you haven't yet chosen a python
Helps in choosing a species, but offers little care advice relating to the care of specific species. Still, I consider this a must-have for its basic information on sexing snakes, helping them shed, and ensuring a proper feeding schedule.

A MUST FOR PYTHON HOBBYIST
Since I don't have a pet python yet and i don't want to have an accident so I bought this book in order to familiarize everything before buying one or two if possible.

For me, this is the most comprehensive book about pythons on how to select, care, breed and medical nutrition and behavior on such lovable snakes.

So, hobbyist or the like... buy this book first in order to be a more effective and good caretaker of your own python... =)

www.thesnake.org
9 main topics about 95 pages , understanding pythons , acquiring your python , caging , general husbandry , medical problems , breeding , incubation , species , useful addresses . A good book for the beginningpython owner and a good source of general information . Full-color photos ! ... Read more

Product Description
AT OUR F-100 FIGHTER SQUADRON STATIONED AT BIEN HOA AIR BASE, SOUTH VIETNAM, ALL ANY OF US PILOTS KNEW ABOUT SNAKES WAS THAT THEY WERE SLIMY CREATURES THAT COULD POISON YOU, EAT YOU, TWIST YOUR BONES, OR CRUSH YOU AT THEIR LEISURE. IT WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THE VILE CREATURES ALWAYS HAD YOUR WORST INTERESTS IN THEIR COLD, DARK HEARTS. BUT THAT WAS BEFORE A FRIENDLY FAC (AIRBORNE FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER) PRESENTED US WITH A MASCOT. AND SO IT WAS THAT WE CAME TO KNOW AND LOVE OUR SQUADRON'S RESIDENT REPTILE, WHO WE NAMED RAMROD.
(AUTHOR MARK BERENT HAS SEVERAL BOOKS AND ARTICLES ON KINDLE.) ... Read more

Product Description
This large nonvenomous snake is native to equatorial western Africa. Like all tropical reptiles in captivity, it requires special care and housing--facts that are detailed in this guide. Books in the Reptile Keeper's Guide series present basic information on reptiles and amphibians, and clear instructions on their care. Each book includes general information on the subject animal's natural history, distribution in the wild, life expectancy, and physical characteristics. Practical information includes purchasing a good specimen, determining sex, providing correct caging and feeding, health care, and advice for those who want to try breeding. Each book has 50-to-75 full-color photos, line art, bibliography, and an index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Reptile Keeper's Guide Ball Pythons
Knowledgeable author with good information.Written in easy to understand language.Answered all my questions as a beginning snake enthusiast.

dont bother with this book
i bought this book because it was cheap and I needed information before bought my python to see if it was the species for me.This booktells you to do things every experienced reptile keeper has told me not to. I have had my ball python for three years and this book has never come in handy, dont bother with it, get yourself a real handbook. Its really just a skimpy overview of anything to do with bp's.

Too general
Some helpful basic information, but overall, too general.No specifics on temperatures, humidity, what to feed at what age/size, what size/age to start breeding, etc.

"NOT VERY INFORMATIVE "
THIS BOOK DOES NOT EXPLAIN IN DETAIL ABOUT THE BALL PYTHON, I HAVE LEARNED MORE FROM THE INTERNET THAN I HAVE FROM THIS BOOK. IT DID NOT ANSWER ANY OF THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS THAT I HAD AND I ENDED UP PURCHASING ANOTHER.ALTHOUGH IT WAS SLIGHTLY INFORMATIVE, NOT ENOUGH WAS SPECIFIED ... Read more

Product Description
The ball python is one of the most beautiful, friendlyand widely sold snakes in the pet trade. Learn the most accurate andup-to date information on the husbandry and propagation of thismisunderstood species, including tips on how to overcome problemsrelated to feeding. Youll find variation, acclimation, housing,handling, diseases, disorders, treatments and much more indetail. Read this; know all. 78p. color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Ok beginners guide
The book is a very basic beginners guide.Most of the information that was in this book was found online so I wasnt impressed at all with the content.

Definatly NOT a beginners manual or any manual at all
this book is useless if yu buy your snake from the pet storeie captive bred

its more for breeders and pple who got their snake imported from africa. it has practically five sentences on shedding with no help at all with shedding problems or how to set up a habitat. this is not a good begginners book just a general info book if you are intersted in different types of ball pythons not how to take care of one. it does have nice pictures though of the different kinds.

overally its a nice book to give someone who wants to see if they are intersted in the snake not on how to take care of a captive bred one

A good buy-
This is the book that anyone wanting to keep Ball Pythons should have in their library. Information is useful to the pet owner & breeder alike.

Geared towards "wild caught"
This a good manual for 1st timers, which is what I am.If you are looking for a GREAT manual, this isn't it.It seems to refer to "wild caught", which in my opinion isn't the best way to obtain a ball python.If you are looking at how to care for your ball python, there are better books out there, but this is a fairly good start.You are better off getting your info from the net or [[ASIN:0976733404 Complete Ball Python, A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding, and Genetic Mutations] Although this book is more expensive, it's more informative and you will get more out of it.

A must have for ball python owners!
I purchased this book sortly after getting my first ball python.Let me tell you, I would be lost without this book.It has everything you need to know and everything you want to know about being a great ball python owner. ... Read more

Product Description
The Guide to Owning a Burmese Pythons ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Broad, but Great Photos
The photography in this book was excellent, very vivid. Yet the information was very broad. It barley thouches the scales of the burmese python. Yet it is a good introductory book. It also indroduces chicken as agood food source, but rabbits much better food.(Due to Somimilla, howeveryou spell it)The book a never lets you fully grasp the potenical power andsize of the burmese. Nor the dangers, and others who have been hurt orkilled by them. Despite this it is a wonderful and imformitive book forbeginners!

Laymans Beginners Guide - Excellent
There are a number of 'good' snakes books on the market although there seem to be few that are specie specific. This is the first book I have read of this nature and have found it interesting and extremely informative(baring in mind that this is only a book intended as an introductoryguide). It covers all aspects from accomodation and feeding through tosuggested medical practices. The book is designed more as an informativeread in 'laymans' terms rather than bogging down the reader with all thetechnical jargon normally associated with herpetology. 60 odd pages. Aworthy read if you have no specific books on this subspecie. ... Read more

Product Description
The NIGERIA-BIAFRA war started in mid 1967 when a tiny region of Nigeria seceded from Nigeria to become Biafra. With the complete support of the British government, Nigeria instituted a very powerful and effective blockade on Biafra. The only communication that Biafra had with the rest of the world was through the RED CROSS and CARITAS relief flights that were flown into Biafra at nights under heavy attacks from Nigerian forces. Some of the planes were shot down. With no powerful nation backing Biafra, coupled with the blockade and the consequent lack of food and medicine, surviving in Biafra became a matter of improvisements for both Biafran forces and citizens. In an area that was replete with diseases like malaria, typhoid and kwashiorkor, this book explains how the Biafran citizens were able to survive for almost three years until Biafra was defeated in January 1970. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Totally Inadequate
This book was very unorganized and unedited. This is not at all a good way to learn about the Biafra war. I couldn't believe that anyone would allow this book to be published.

A must-read book on surviving in Biafra
Chief Jim Ojiaku has written a fantastic and excellent expose' of the events of the Nigerian civil war from the home perspective. The rendition of his experiences, his free style of writing, enabled him to compress a large volume of facts with eloquence and details, thus, reminding the reader about why 'war is raw'. Chief Ojiaku wrote from the heart--a testament of the originality that would be a point of reference for future writers, hence there were no bibliographical references. The book portrayed how a determined people (Biafrans) courageously persevered over a thirty-month bloody civil war in the face of adversity perpetrated by world super-powers who coerced the international community to look away while they helped the Federal Government of Nigeria in its failed effort to win the war in forty-eight hours, then resorted to blockade and blanket the Biafrans both by sea, air, and land and executed the blood-letting and starvation that led to an eventual surrender to peace in 1970.
Chief Ojiaku indicated that although the battle ended in the war front, the war rages on as people from the Biafran side continue to be marginalized in almost all aspects of Nigerian life--politics, university admissions, road constructions and what have you! This book showed that Chief Jim Ojiaku can successfully make use of good advice. Thanks to his brother in law--Professor Joe Akunna who sincerely advised him to put down his thoughts in black and white.
Surviving the iron curtain exemplified how Biafra was killed in a genocidal civil unrest, but the people refused to die. The planned extermination of the Biafrans from the surface of the earth--how civilians were tortured and starved, the poor state of Biafra, how ill-equipped young people joined the war to save their people, how the Biafrans used improvises to fight valiantly as the Biblical David against Goliath. Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku did not forget the benevolence of the Red Cross and other relief organizations in breaking the iron curtain despite enemy attack. Worst still was the only twenty pounds which Biafrans received from the Nigerian Government who had any bank account in Biafran banks--being the only rehabilitation received since after the war.
Chief Jim Ojiaku deliberately refused to deal with the blame game that characterizes every war. He was right to blame both sides in order to allow the reader to understand his reason for writing the book. Finally Biafra surrendered through the courage and bravery of Colonel Philip Effiong who helped to salvage the human skull that was left of Biafra--in 1970. I strongly recommend this book to all who profess to the Biafran cause-both old and young--a reminder of the indelible scar--that was Biafra.

Surviving the iron curtain by Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku
In reading Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku's book I learned a piece of history that needs to be read by everyone and the world needs to remember the horrors of the war between Nigeria and The Republic Of Biafra and a war that tore apart a country.
He tells of one story about his brother Emmanuel who is killed at the front at the young age of 19 and the beautiful touching letter his father writes to his dead son, "An Epitath To Lt. Emmanuel Ojiaku."

This letter is heart breaking and no one would forget reading it. He writes very lovingly about his mother, father, brothers and sisters and especially about his love for his people. He brings forth in his book many beautiful photographs and diagrams on the many foods in his region and explains in great detail on each food and how they're prepared.

This book is a must read. Jim brings forth the great love he has for his people, his family and most of all his great country.

I give Chief Uche Jim Ojiaku five stars ***** for a book well written.

Joseph Frank Baraba
... Read more