Book Description
Filled with everything you need to know about the cuddly companion whose popularity is multiplying. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Great Rabbit Book
A lot of good information and some good photos. I have yet to find one definitive house rabbit guide, but this covers a lot of the basics: history, deciding if rabbit is right pet, adopting a rabbit, setting up living space and health. There is also a great section on rabbit behavior and behavior problems.

Worth buying before or after bringing a rabbit into your home! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

5 Stars and beyond!
this handy book tells you everything you need to know about taking care of your little friends. From feeding to what to do when they escape this book has it all!

A good book for the beginner
This book is packed with attractive pictures, although mainly of mice,despite the title.Some of the information is a little sparce and thereare a few errors.But overall its a good choice for someone just steppingout into the world of small mammal pets. ... Read more

Book Description
The author tells how to distinguish pure-bred dwarf rabbits from mixed breeds—which often grow to full size. She also advises on feeding, caging, health care, and teaching children to handle these delicate animals. Barron’s extensive line of Complete Pet Owner’s Manuals presents information for non-specialist animal owners and prospective owners, with facts about each animal’s origins and traits, as well as advice on purchasing, housing, feeding, health care, and much more. Each book is individually written by a trainer, breeder, veterinarian, or other animal specialist. Titles in this series cover every popular breed of dog and cat, freshwater and marine fish, many bird varieties, and virtually all other animals that are kept as pets. All books are filled with handsome color photos and instructive line illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Should definitely read before getting a dwarf bunny
The book's design and photos are very pleasing (& very cute!).The author offers much useful and easy to understand advice.If you're looking into getting a bunny or just became an owner of one, I highly recommend this book because it will make you & your bunny's lives easier.It gives you tips on how to bond with your bunny, what to do and what NOT to do with him/her.I made the mistake of not having read this book before raising my bunny.I did things that I thought were completely normal to do (I have 2 very small dogs & have had many animals before) but were totally inappropriate when it comes to rabbits.Just being caring and loving is not enough.You need to learn to care and love the right way to ensure a happy and enjoyable life for the both of you.

Dwarf Rabbits
I read the paperback edition, which I enjoyed immensely. The information is presented in a way that is easy to read and understand. The pictures are precious! The cutest rabbit in the world is on page 9, a purebred Thuringian dwarf.I wish I could find a rabbit like that one! If you read this book, you will definitely want a rabbit for a pet.

Unfortunately I was late!
I am sorry that I did not buy this book before Ibought my rabbit. I wish I had read it before doing so many mistakes. I recommend you to read this book before buying this lovely creature, at least not to hurt it against your will.

This book helps you get started with your rabbit.
This book helps you get off to a great start with your new rabbit, great clor pictures and easy to read. I loved the pictures and the information was valueble to me I am now looking forward to buying my first rabbit thishas helped me feel more confident about my decision.

A most informative read!
The color pictures are lovable and this book is simply brimming with information about how to take care of dwarf rabbits. Each section is informative and comprehensive. It certainly provided me with plenty of tipson rearing my dwarf rabbits. ... Read more

Book Description
From basic care to fun games, this book shows rat owners the way out of a maze of questions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

A MUST for rat companions
My grandson loves his new pet rat, Roxanne. Unfortunately, his previously also-loved rat passed into pet heaven at less than a year old. I couldn't tell him much about proper nutrition or care, or how long they may live, so I want him to be better prepared this time. Roxanne will probably also give me a kiss for this. This book is brightly illustrated, with good instructions.

The Ultimate Care Guide
This is the most complete and accurate guide to caring for pets rats that I have ever read. It is a terrible shame that it has been allowed to go out of print. It is an indispensible reference for new and experienced rat owners. Nutrition, training, history, health...it's all here, along with some really cute photos.

Super book!
This is just about the best rat book I have ever seen!I really think it deserves 6 stars, but that wasn't an option. :-)It is a exelent beginner's book, but even the most experienced rat owner can learn somthing from it.I only dissagree with Mrs. Ducommun on one point- she says to use 1x1 1/2 inch mesh for a cage.This is too big- a rat could get it's head stuck!Other then that, everything you need to know about rats is in here.The book also gives good information about breeding and showing your rats.A must-read!<:8)~

Excellent book!
I concur with the other reviews in this space.It really is an excellent guide, and the author's website...is also quite helpful.I am truly impressed by the detail of this book, which still maintains an easy reading level (so it's suitable for kids in the 9-12 range right on up to grownups) and an attractive layout.In addition, the author states that she is willing to help *you* with any rat questions or problems and gives her contact information, including phone number!That's dedication!

Some day, I hope to get hold of a copy of her Rat Health Care booklet, but for now this book remains my ratty Bible.

an adorable book
I just wanted to concur with everything that other reviewers have written.This is a superb little book with beautiful pictures of cuddly rats.The only flaw in it I could think of is that it doesn't mention my favorite rat treat (matzoh). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

KNOWING YOUR GUINEA PIG
EXCELLENT INFORMATION ON EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF YOUR GUINEA PIG!!!!!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Informative and a New Perspective
The authors have a very British/European background, so I've enjoyed this informative resource from a new angle. The book is very well-organized. It especially shines as a medical resource for the casual rabbit owner: one of the authors is a vet who has a specialized rabbit clinic in her practice, and it has a very thorough section on problems, symptoms, causes, and treatments. There is also a nice section on alternate feeds and homeopathic herbs, though it doesn't go into thorough nutritional detail, for those who are interested in creating their own feed.

Because of the European background, some familiar rabbits go by unfamiliar names, but there are a good many unfamiliar breeds as well, as well as descriptions of several now-extinct breeds.

If you have a single house-rabbit, this probably isn't the best book for you-- but if you have a herd, this will be a very valuable resource as you incorporate the parts that are helpful and discard the parts that don't apply to your situation.

Great for information on illness, but not so hot on care.
I love the section on rabbit diseases. Its very easy to look something up and it does cover a wide-range of diseases that most rabbit books don't. However, many of the opinions on rabbit care that the author has I do not agree with.

From the very beginning the author states that young bucks are easier to keep and train than older animals and those of the female gender. After going through the teenage stages of several rabbits I swore off adopting a rabbit under the age of two. Older rabbits, in my experience, are more predictable and less destuctive indoor companions. As for gender issues, I haven't noticed a difference in ease of training between altered males and females.

Later on she advises small rabbits as good pets for children. The hefty weights tend to be more laid back for kids. Sure, the kids have trouble picking them up, but kids shoulding be picking up rabbits anyways. Rabbits don't like it.

As far as diet goes, a pet owner is advised to look elsewhere for information such as "The House Rabbit Handbook", or their website rabbit.org.The same can be said about her advice on house rabbits.

There's some interesting information in this book, but I only recommend it to someone who is already quite familiar with the proper care of rabbits. As a beginner's book there is just too much bad information.

From a hard core house rabbit fan
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning about their rabbits in depth.The book covers history, all aspects of rabbit care - pets (outdoor & indoor), show, breeding, meat & fur - types of housing, feed, anatomy, diseases, treatments and an extensive list of rabbit breeds.The chapters are kept short and to the point in an easy to read format. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is one of few books I would actually recommend.
This book is fairly accurate (especially in comparison with the other books I have read!) and is a good book to start with for a new gerbil owner.While the original version is out of stock there is a new editionreleased recently. It has a pink cover with an argente golden/cream(cinnamon) gerbil on the front, written by the same author, etc. It'sexactly the same with a few new pictures, and also very good. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Wonderful For Novice and Experienced Rat Fanciers!
I have read the book The Proper Care Of Fancy Rats (t.f.h.) - repeatedly - and have found the information to be invaluable.It covers basic care, illnesses, varieties and standards, breeding and some of the basics of rat genetics.It also includes a lot of beautiful full color photos.I've read a few other books on rodent care, none of which were as detailed as this (those books all ended up in a used book store).I would HIGHLY suggest that every rat owner purchase this book and keep it handy.Its easy to follow and covers all the bases!

The "Encyclopedia Rattica"
More than just a guide to the proper care of rats, Nick Mays' excellent book is also a history of human-rat relations, an introduction to rat genetics, and a full color guide to many of the breeds of "fancy" rats.Well-written and logically organized, this is the best kind of reference book: both informative and fun to read.Although the book's historical survey of the "rat fancy" concentrates primarily on the United Kingdom, this fascinating story will surely be appreciated by rat lovers throughout the world.

Mays not only creates an accurate and affectionate portrait of the domesticated rat, but he also creates a comparable portrait of those rat fanciers who have for generations taken these intelligent and personable creatures into our homes and hearts.This book is a tribute to the strength of the bonds that can exist between members of different species.

The best rat book in the universe 8/8/99
I had at one time purchised This book, And i didn't have the money to keep it so I took it back. Days after, I yearned to have it back. So I went back to the store were I had bought it and they told me they Didn't have itanymore. I felt so sad, and up to this day I havn't been able to find itanywere.Now that I found it, I will be sure to buy it, and to keep it. Isay it is the very most helpful, Wonderful book you could ever have on TheCare and Keeping of Fancy rats. -Brie

Excellent book for fanciers!
The first time I read this book, I was astounded! Mr. Mays is a true expert, presenting the information in an easy to read, clear style. Where other authors have failed, Mr. Mays includes almost everything on breeding,illnesses, and showing. I highly recommend this book to a novice rat owneror shower. Good work, Mr. Mays!

AMUST HAVE FOR RAT OWNERS!
Nick has done it again! This outing proves to be his best, by far. Thoroughly readable and very enjoyable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Information,but you have to read a lot!!
This book is a good Hamster Care Guide,but I suguest getting a picture Hamster Care guide instead of this.Why?This book has paragraphs and more paragraphs,not a lot of pictures or small details.So much reading!!Ah!!!If you hate to read so much,get another Hamster Care guide.Cause this one has....a lot of words.Other than that,the information are great! ... Read more

Book Description
From basic care to fun games, this book shows rat owners the way out of a maze of questions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Must-have for rat owners and lovers alike!
I bought this book after getting my three ratties, and have found it very helpful. It has information on almost everything to do with rats. It has what to feed them, what not to feed them, games to play with them, what to do on a hot day, how to find a good vet ect ect. The author's voice sounds kind and caring but also informative and I must say, I use this book all the time! It's a must-have for all rat owners.
Highly recommended!

Very good
I truly enjoyed this book and it has all the information one needs to take care of a rat!

The best care book for rat owners!
This is the best and most accurate rattie care guide I've read. Ms Ducommun is know as the Rat Lady and has been one of the best rat health experts for many many years.
I have 5 rats myself and even though I'm experienced in their care I found this book interesting to read. I think every rat enthusiast should have this on their book shelf :-)

A very informative book
We landed ourselves a pet rat a little over a year ago.Neither of us really knew much about rats, but we muddled through researching here and there on the internet and asking questions at the pet shop, etc.Our rat seemed healthy and happy, but I always worried that we might be missing something.

I received this book for Christmas, and by the end of Christmas morning I had read 2/3 of it!It is such an interesting and informative read.It put my mind at ease on several issues, taught me quite a bit and it is great to know that I have it as a reference if anything should ever happen to our precious Ratatouille!Like another reviewer already said, it might not go into quite enough detail for people who already know a lot about rats, but for your everyday rat owner, I think it is more than sufficient.

Oh, and, after reading in this book that you should never keep a solitary rat, unless you can spend several hours a day with it (we manage a couple of hours a day), we are off to get a house mate for her, in the new year.Of course, now we have this book, we know how to successfully introduce the new rat in the correct and proper way ;o)

Complete Care: Rats
I have a pet rat, and this book was helpful. I especially liked the chapters telling about games you can play with your rat and showing them. It was also very helpful on food, cages, and health. I would recommend it to people of all ages. ... Read more