Books                      

Advanced Vivarium Systems

The highly acclaimed Advanced Vivarium Systems ^TM books, founded and guided by herpetocultural pioneer Philippe de Vosjoli, are the #1 books on reptile care. From choosing a pet, to selecting a veterinarian, to feeding, housing, breeding, and more, these books deliver the most helpful and up-to-date information available on popular reptiles and amphibians kept as pets.

The Art of Keeping Snakes

New: $16.95 Used: $12.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

The author shares his innovative approach to keeping snakes in one of the most important herp care books published in recent years. The book emphasizes naturalistic displays and recommends species that lend themselves to this approach. A must read for the modern snake keeper.

$16.95

Authors: Bill & Kathy Love

Two of the world's foremost breeders of corn snakes joined to write the ultimate corn snake book covering every aspect of husbandry, breeding and medicine. The authors also present an up-to-date discussion of all the current morphs. As could be expected from renowned photographer Bill Love, this groundbreaking book is illustrated by numerous color photographs showing why corn snakes are the most beautiful and best pet snakes in the world.

$8.95

Author: David Perlowin

Kingsnakes are some of the most beautiful and hardy of all pet snakes. Author David Perlowin has assembled one of the most thorough books on the husbandry, captive breeding of these popular North American snakes. Common medical problems are covered. Most subspecies and morphs are represented through many color photographs. One of the best on the subject.

The Ball Python Manual

$8.95

Authors:Phillipe de Vosjoli with Roger Klingenberg, DVM, Tracy Barker, and David Becker

The ball python is one of the most beautiful, friendly and widely sold snakes in the pet trade. Learn the most accurate and up-to-date information on the husbandry and propagation of this misunderstood species, including tips on how to overcome problems related to feeding. You'll find variation, acclimation, housing, handling, diseases, disorders, treatments and much more in detail. Read this and know it all.

The Boa Constrictor Manual

$8.95

Author:Phillipe de Vosjoli

Relatively docile and safe reptiles, boa constrictors are thought to make some of the best large snake pets. Illustrated with outstanding color photos, three herpetocultural experts discuss at length all you need to know about caring for your boa constrictor. Common diseases and disorders such as IBD, an epidemic viral disease in captive boas, are covered in great detail. All subspecies and many of the currently bred pattern and color morphs can be found in this book. It is a must-have for both novice and expert snake keepers.

$8.95

Authors: Philippe de Vosjoli/Roger Klingenberg, DVM

An excellent text on the general care and maintenance of the Burmese pythons, including notes on other large pythons with chapters on selecting, housing, feeding, behavior problems, captive breeding, parasites and medical treatment. Well illustrated with b/w photos and drawings.

The General Care and Maintenance of Garter Snakes and Water Snakes 

$7.50

Author: David Perlowin

Garter, ribbon and water snakes are among the most popular, widely available, attractive and interesting reptile pets. This title informs the beginning to experienced hobbyists about selection, proper housing, feeding, rearing babies, general maintenance and breeding of these snakes. It includes a number of photographs representing several of the species as well as some unusual morphs that are maintained and bred by specialized herpetoculturists.

The General Care and Maintenance of Garter Snakes and Water Snakes New Edition

 $8.95

Author: David Perlowin

Garter, ribbon and water snakes are among the most popular, widely available, attractive and interesting reptile pets. This title informs the beginning to experienced hobbyists about selection, proper housing, feeding, rearing babies, general maintenance and breeding of these snakes. It includes a number of photographs representing several of the species as well as some unusual morphs that are maintained and bred by specialized herpetoculturists.

$2.95

This booklet is about the responsible care and maintenance of the most readily available invertebrate-eating snakes. (That's right, no mice!) These beautiful snakes are sold in pet stores at prices that invite neglect, and most are dead within 3 to 6 months. Their care is best described as requiring methods that are a cross between snake keeping and lizard keeping. The rough green snake is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable of all the North American snakes to keep in captivity, and a genuine affection for these snakes was the primary reason for the writing of this book. If you buy the snake, buy the book. This book includes notes on the care of brown snakes and ringneck snakes.

$11.95

Author: John Rossi DVM, MA/Roxanne Rossi

This user-friendly home medical reference identifies and explains existing and potential problems in snakes. Find out how location of a cage can affect your snake's appetite, or how a snake can become "mouse shy." Learn how to identify and correct problems associated with maladaptation, burns, constipation, dehydration, skin lesions, diarrhea, improper shedding, lack of appetite, feeding frequency, overheating, parasites, mouth rot, reproductive failure, rodent injuries, respiratory problems, vomiting, weight loss, seizures, tremmors, incoordination and just about anything else that may be commonly found with the captive care of snakes.

Green Anoles

$5.95

Authors: Philippe de Vosjoli, Robert Mailloux, and Drew Ready

From the authoritative author on reptile and amphibian care comes this revised and updated version of Care and Maintenance of Green Anoles. Philippe de Vosjoli provides the essential information for selecting green anoles, designing ideal vivaria, and providing general care, including feeding and breeding. He even includes other anole species and other compatible reptiles and amphibians.

The Bearded Dragon Manual

$12.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

An in-depth, comprehensive manual by experts on the care and maintenance of Bearded Dragons and Frilled Dragons of Australia. The most up-to-date information on selecting, housing, feeding, behavior problems, captive breeding, parasites and medical treatment of bearded dragons and frilled dragons available. Beautifully illustrated with color photos and drawings.

Chameleons  

$12.95

Authors: Gary Ferguson, Kenneth Kalisch, and Sean McKeown

Provides the hobbyist with the knowledge necessary to raise and keep chameleons thriving. Includes accurate and up-to-date information on housing, selection, acclimation, the importance of quarantine, sexing, life stages, feeding, watering, breeding, medical problems and notes on popular species.

$8.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli/Roger Klingenberg, DVM

Provides the hobbyist with the knowledge necessary to raise and keep chameleons thriving. Includes accurate and up-to-date information on housing, selection, acclimation, the importance of quarantine, sexing, life stages, feeding, watering, breeding, medical problems and notes on popular species.

$8.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

This is the best-selling book that has been blamed for the current green iguana problem.... too many green iguanas in captivity surviving to adult size. This compact manual offers a thorough coverage of housing, feeding, medical problems behavior problems and captive breeding. Includes many color photos and illustrations. It remains one of the best-selling herp books of all time!

$8.95

Author: John Rossi, DVM , MA

A home medical reference manual written for the Iguana owner, (beginner to advanced), by one of the leading authorities, Dr. John Rossi. This greatly needed book covers common medical problems and first aid for these spectacular creatures. Problems are presented in alphabetical order for quick reference, and illustrations make recognition of many problems easier than ever. An indispensable guide to identifying and correcting what's wrong with your iguana.

$12.95

Author: Julie Bergman

Covers Day Geckos, Tokay Geckos, New Caldonian Geckos and select Desert Geckos. ncludes accurate and up-to-date information on housing, selection, acclimation, the importance of quarantine, sexing, life stages, feeding, watering, breeding, and medical problems.

$8.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

New from AVS this popular gecko has a new care book written by the foremost authority on Rhacodactylus. Like all AVS books this book is the ultimate care sheet. Covers selecting a gecko, heating and lighting, housing, feeding and maintenance, diseases and disorders.

$8.50

Authors: Sean McKeown and Jim Zaworski

A book that covers the basics and a whole lot more. Find out how to select healthy animals, the importance of quarantine and acclimation, how to supplement insect diets, how to recognize diseases and everything else you'll need to know to keep those feisty creatures happy. Includes information on White-lined geckos, Bent-toed Geckos, Gliding Geckos and more!

The Leopard Gecko Manual

$8.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

The leopard gecko is one of the hardiest of all lizard species-easy to keep, easy to breed, and potentially long-lived. This book features information that is invaluable for all levels of leopard gecko hobbyist from the beginning owner to the advanced breeder. Whether you are looking for the most current, accurate and reliable information on selecting and identifying a healthy specimen to keep as a pet or something more advanced such as genetic information on breeding for sexes, this is the book for you. It also contains notes on African fat-tailed geckos.

$8.95

Jerry G. Walls

These delightful lizards have an unusual and attractive appearance, are relatively docile, develop responsive personalities and once established are relatively easy to care for. Every effort should be made to acclimate, maintain and breed them before they are no longer available. This book will tell you how.

$14.95

Author: Michael Balsai

This book provides the necessary and in-depth information required for the responsible care and breeding of the most popular monitor species regularly offered in the pet trade. Dumeril's, Mangrove, Nile, Savannah , Black Rough-necked, Crocodile, Asian Water, Spiny Tailed, Timor , Argus and Gould's. Also a complete and detailed section on husbandry and breeding of Tegus.

$8.95

Authors: Robert George Sprackland, Ph.D.

Includes information on diet and housing, handling and care tips to keep your pet healthy, details husbandry and breeding of savannah, white-throat and Argus monitors. 29 color photographs.

Green Water Dragons, Sailfin Lizards and Basilisks

$6.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

Because they don't grow as large as green iguanas and tend to remain docile, green water dragons from SE Asia have surged in popularity. Sailfin lizards and basilisks, with their dorsal and caudal crests, look the most like dragons of all the lizards and make outstanding displays. This compact book offers simple instructions for raising and breeding these impressive lizards. A must-have for anyone who has fantasized about having a dragon in their home.

$11.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

Provides a tremendous amount of information for anyone from beginner to experienced breeder on just about everything needed to keep and breed insect-eating lizards. Includes selection, recommended lizards, sexing, quarantine, acclimation, housing, vivarium design, temperature, heating systems, feeding, lighting, humidity, handling, diseases and disorders, products and much more. Often reviewed as one of our finest titles and always a top seller. A library must. Includes information on selection and feeding, heating and cooling, vivarium design and more!

 $8.95

Authors: Philippe de Vosjoli/Roger Klingenberg, DVM

The North American box turtles are some of the most beautiful turtles in the world. Unfortunately most pet box turtles die because owners are uniformed of their particular requirements. This highly praised manual addresses feeding, breeding and providing proper husbandry conditions. Roger Klingenberg, DVM, covers the diseases and disorders of this species in great detail. This book has saved thousands of lives.

$6.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

When kept properly, red-eared sliders will delight their owners with their beauty, intelligence, fascinating behaviors, and a lifespan of up to 25 years or longer. Learn how to simulate aspects of a pond or lake in your home vivarium, determine the sex of your turtle and breed red-eared sliders along with proven techniques for feeding, heating, filtering the water and using plants. You'll be amazed by what you don't know! Includes color photos of different morphs and other popular freshwater turtles.

$7.50       

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

Tortoises are among the most endangered families of reptiles, and owning one should be considered a privilege. This book covers care and husbandry of the most popular and commonly imported tortoises. Selection, sexing, acclimation, housing design and landscaping, feeding and watering, hibernation, species, diseases and disorders, salmonella, hygiene and more.

$6.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

Argentine and Chacoan horned frogs, which are currently bred by the thousands annually, are some of the most popular of the amphibians. Ease of care, hardiness and a caricatural appearance make them one of the best beginner amphibian species. The author, one of the pioneers in the breeding of these frogs, presents in detail their housing, maintenance and most common diseases. Includes an overview of the care and breeding of other horned frog species.

Popular Tree Frogs

$8.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli/Robert Mailloux/Drew Ready

This book is written by experienced and recognized frog herpetoculturists and focuses on the care of popular tree frogs now sold in significant numbers. It covers many important topics that are required knowledge for successful keeping. Acclimating imported species, housing, feeding and captive breeding are included. A practical manual for the serious hobbyist. Includes information about White's Tree Frog, White-lipped Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog and Red-eye Tree Frog.  

$8.95

Authors: Philippe de Vosjoli/Robert Mailloux/Drew Ready

$3.95

Author: Philippe de Vosjoli

At the root of the high mortality rate of captive hermit crabs is the failure to provide the proper environment and the lack of knowledge concerning their requirements. Did you know that hermit crabs carry their water supply sealed within their shells? Access to the right type of water is critical for refills. Did you know that hermit crabs may live more than 30 years? Find all the essential information you need to keep these strange and entertaining creatures thriving.

$8.95

Author: Jerry G. Walls

This book presents an overview of methods for the husbandry of a variety of  scorpions. Includes selection, housing and maintenance, feeding, molting, handling, breeding, raising babies and more.  

$8.95

Author: Jerry G. Walls

Very few spiders generate the same emotional reaction as the large, hairy tarantula. Despite their stereotypical portrayal in movies, these easy-to-care-for spiders make excellent low-maintenance pets. Designed for the beginning tarantula owner, this comprehensive manual includes essential advice on selecting, feeding, and caring for your pet, as well as tips on breeding and health maintenance.
A special chapter offers up-to-date information on some of the most popular and readily available species such as the Costa Rican striped-knee and common pink-toe tarantulas. This all new addition to the renowned Herpetocultural Library puts expert-written advice at the fingertips of reptile and invertebrate enthusiasts.  

$12.95

Author: Jerry G. Walls

The modern-day reptile and amphibian keeper has long needed a sound book covering the topic of basic vivaria design with a generalist approach. Previous to this, there have been two excellent books written by "the vivarist" himself, Phillipe de Vosjoli, with one book treating desert vivaria design and the other teaching us how to artistically create a living vivarium for snakes.
Mr. Walls, another expert, has provided the all-around beginning and intermediate herp keeper with the basics of cages, restraint, and several tried-and-true, fundamental vivarium designs covering ever major biome (e.g. desert, rainforest, woodland, etc.) where herps are found on planet earth. This book was written with practically every type of common pet reptile or amphibian in mind.  

$8.95

Author: Roger Klingenberg, DVM

A basic manual for herpetoculturists and veterinarians. No one who keeps reptiles can afford to be ignorant about reptile parasites and their treatment. This best-selling, easy-to-use book offers readers essential information on how to identify the most common parasites of reptiles and how to most effectively treat them. Includes drug charts and dosages. Highly recommended for hobbyists and pet stores. Illustrated with many black and white photos.

Beginner's Vivarium Systems (BVS)

A new series from Bowtie Press authored by Reptiles Magazine editor Russ Case, these 120+ page books are extremely educational and colorful, but not simply “gimmicky” picture books.

$9.95

Author: Russ Case

Snakes covers everything kids need to know--from basic care and feeding to how to house their snakes, how to detect illnesses and parasites, and how to decorate their pets' vivaria to make them feel at home. With colorful photos, interesting facts, and cool stickers, Snakes is sure to be a favorite book in every young herpetoculturist's library! 

$9.95

Author: Russ Case

Lizards covers everything kids need to know--from basic care and feeding to how to house their lizards, how to detect illnesses and parasites, and how to decorate their pets' vivaria to make them feel at home. With colorful photos, interesting facts, and cool stickers, Lizards is sure to be a favorite book in every young herpetoculturist's library!

$9.95

Author: Russ Case

Turtles and Tortoises covers everything kids need to know--from basic care and feeding to how to house their pets, how to detect illnesses and parasites, and how to decorate their turtles' vivaria to make them feel at home. With colorful photos, interesting facts, and cool stickers, Turtles and Tortoises is sure to be a favorite book in every young herpetoculturist's library!

Brand New!!!

Brand New!!!

$69.50

Authors: Ray Ashton and Patricia Sawyer-Ashton

This handbook is the first book on tortoise management and research techniques that can be applied to any species. It is designed to be the manual that can serve for certification for various institutions and State and Federal agencies. Many tricks of the trade on how to count burrows, excavate, and trap tortoises are given based on the 20 years of experience of the Ashtons. No other publication currently exists that brings together all the methods and techniques for tortoise management which can be used with other tortoises and turtles. Students and environmental consultants working with gopher tortoises and other upland species will find this handbook indispensable.

Methods, Tools, and Techniques for Finding Snakes

$14.95

Authors: Will Bird and Phil Peak

A well done book providing detailed information on methods used to find snakes, when, and tools used. Includes individual species accounts for the more commonly pursued snakes. Full-color photographs and tables.