Product Description
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Read this before you get the snake!
Many pet shop workers don't know enough to give you decent care instructions for a goldfish, let alone a boa.These snakes are no joke.If you get one and decide you can't handle it after a certain point, you'll discover that finding someone to take it off your hands is not easy.(I would highly recommend not buying a snake at all, but rescuing one.)

My Columbian boa was acquired as an 18" infant.By age six, he was ten feet long and, at his widest point, as big around as the narrowest part of my thigh.He gladly ate pre-killed food and never had a sick day in his life, thanks to a good exotic pet vet. and this remarkable book.

De Vosjoli knows what he's talking about.From species ID to safe and appropriate handling to housing, humidity, and temperature requirements, this book can't be bettered.Given some of the snake-handling mishaps that end up in the news now and then, it's refreshing to find a book that dares to admonish us thusly: "Don't be stupid."

Must read!
Anyone thinking of owning a boa constrictor must read this book.I foster abandoned boas and this book would save the snake and future owners lots of trauma.Buy it now!

Wonderful
If you could only buy one book on Boa Constrictors, this would be it. I had the first printing of this title, and just got the updated version- definitely an improvement. The book details all aspects of their care and breeding, and gives you the hard facts of owning these large beautiful creatures. You will not find redundant or conflicting information unlike some other boa books. Even if you are only considering getting a red tail, do yourself a favor and read this book to find out what you're getting yourself into. I also recommend the books "What's wrong with my Snake?" and "Understanding Reptile Parasites" if you own or are thinking of owning a boa.

Required Reading
I had owned a copy of the original version of this book, and I have to say that this updated edition is even better. It's got some great information about breeding, disease and care that goes far beyond what the original contained, making it even more valuable than before. Like probably almost everyone else says, if you're only going to buy one book regarding the proper husbandry of boa constrictors, this is the book you should buy. It's so reasonably priced, there's no excuse not to.

The Boa Constrictor Manual
I was impressed by the no-nonsence approch of this book. If you are looking for useful, up-to-date information onBoas this is your book. ... Read more

Product Description
When Jimmy's unusual pet accompanies him on his class trip, an ordinary jaunt to a farm turns into a hilarious, slapstick romp. "A top-notch choice that children will not be able to put down."--Booklist, starred review. Full-color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Lila from Mr. F's K/1 class, Sevilla, Spain
This book was about a class trip to a farm.Lots of funny stuff happened on the farm.My favorite character was the girl who tells the story because she tells funny stuff.I liked this book because at the end the boa constrictor scared the farmer's wife.You should read this book because this book is funny.

Disrespectful and teaches disrespect.
Am I the only one that sees this book as encouraging bad behavior?Throwing the farmer's eggs?Wrecking all the farmer's stuff?STEALING a pig, and leaving destruction in their wake?Then the mother hears about it and she's just like, "Oh, wow."THESE KIDS OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN DISCIPLINED!THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORAL MODEL!!This is what is wrong with America, people.

An age-spanning family favorite!
Steven Kellogg's illustrations and Trinka Hakes Noble's whimsical story became a favorite with our family since our children were babies. It is now a perennial baby gift as the pictures and rhythm of the words provide constant amusement for reader and listener/viewer. It led us to purchase other books that featured the author or illustrator over the years. Highly recommended.

Good purchase
The book was as described. Was a childhood favorite of mine. Now my son can enjoy it as well. Thank you!

A JOY TO READ.
This is one of my favorites.The Day Jimmy's boa ate the Wash is the story of a day trip by a local group of school children to a local farm.Now let me say right now; many may think that this is a group of complete brats as the kids, through a series of incidents, pretty well trash the entire farm.This is not so.To be quite frank, the actions of these children are pretty typical of just about any fourth or fifth grade class when out on a field trip.

The story begins with a young girl, being asked by her mother how their trip went that day.The little girl responds that it was okay, but pretty boring, until the cow started crying.The story then picks up speed and becomes absolutely hilarious.We find the cow was crying because they hay fell on her, which was pushed when the farmer's tractor went out of control because it......well, as you can see this is a progressive story with one incident setting off a chain reaction which leads to complete disaster and chaos.

The story is only half of it though.The art work in this little book is completely delightful and full of detail, right down to the various expression the children's teacher displays as each incident unfolds.Some of the pictures, such as when the pigs get on the school bus and help themselves to the children's lunch or when Jimmy's pet boa visits the hen house, will most certainly bring a chuckle to just about anyone reading this one.

The whole story of course is capped off by Jimmy's Boa eating the farmer's wife's laundry right off the line.

This is a fun book to read with children and a fun book for them to just set and read themselves.The story is simple, but the way the author has it set up, coupled with the amazing illustrations, makes this one a real page turner.

Get this one and read it with your kid with joy!

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
... Read more

Product Description
Jimmy's mother thought a goldfish wouldn't be a source of constant chaos like her son's boa constrictor. But trouble--and laughs--abound when Jimmy takes both animals to his birthday bash at SeaLand. An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists. Booklist Editors' Choice. Full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

No wonder Jimmy says, "Best birthday ever"
This is a wonderful book, where the imagination of a child runs wild over a visit to Sea World. It involves sharks, penguins, goldfish, whales, an octopus and a heroic boa constrictor. The group goes to Sea World and the supervising mother is accidentally bumped into the whale tank. She yells, "I can't swim", but the children hear, "Jump in!" They do, unleashing a chain of events where the animals and children play together. After being kicked out of Sea World, all of the children buy Jimmy a goldfish and they have a party at Jimmy's house. At the end, Jimmy's mom is totally stressed, but Jimmy is thanking her for a wonderful birthday. I loved it and I passed through my real childhood decades ago.

What a Lot Of Fun!
I knew from the first sentence in this book that we (my 3 boys and I) weregoing to love it.It is a riot to read this a loud.A wonderfulcombination a reptile and truely creative writing.We are going to buyevery Jimmy's Boa book we can find!

Jimmy's Boa and the Birthday Splash
This is a wonderful book for children and adults as well.The humor in the book was easily understood by the children.The book was easy enough to read but yet challenging.It was such a great hit in my class that wehad to get another copy! ... Read more

Product Description
For both beginner and advanced hobbyists comes a brand new reptile and amphibian series. Each ttile in the Complete Herp Care series contains all-new, in-depth current information on a wide variety of topics, including breeding, housing, nutrition, and health care. All authors are experienced writers and experts in their field. Every book is fully illustrated and contains multiple sidebars and tip boxes.

Including all the subspecies of red-tailed boas, this book is a thorough guide to all aspects of keeping and breeding these snakes, with sections on housing, nutrition, and health care. It also includes an in-depth discussion of the safety issues involved when keeping a large snake. ... Read more

Product Description
Text and photographs introduce the physical characteristics and behavior of boa constrictors that live in tropical rain forests. ... Read more

Product Description
Boas are a diverse group of both New and Old World snakes. Adult specimens of certain sand boa species attain a maximum size of only two to three feet, while the green anaconda may exceed 30 feet in length. For decades, humans have maintained boas in captivity. Recreating a suitable environment in which various boa species can thrive and even reproduce has always been a challenge for the herpetoculturist. Captive Husbandry and Propagation of the Boa Constrictors and Related Boas contains detailed information specific to boa species and subspecies. All major captive care considerations are addressed allowing boa keepers to provide for, and possibly breed their captives. Comprehensive chapters on heating devices and their application to herpetoculture, and designing a herp room will be extremely beneficial for everyone maintaining any species of reptiles, as well as the boa keeper ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Captive Husbandry & Propagation of Boa Constrictors
This is the perfect book for all ranges and levels of Boa owners from a single animal owner all the way to a professional breeder.This book is scaled more to the professional but, I highly recommend this book be in every library.Extremely informative.The book has some Color pictures, a perfect guide to sexing different Boas with a extremely well written chart for sexing many many boas, In - Depth coverage of husbandry of Boas,Heavily detailed on different species of Boas, This book also has an excellent list of both the Common names and the Scientific names of Boas, and Well worth the money!

A milestone in boid husbandry information.
This is an excellent volume for anyone wanting information on keeping or breeding boas.The superb chapters on designing a herp room, and heating devices will benefit anyone keeping reptiles of anykind ,not just boas. Ithought the photos were especially good, including some of boas I've neverseen.

good book
This is a great book if you are looking for information on breeding boas.It gives strategies and proven methods for a few different boids.The info is great.The reason I did not give this book a 10 is because I think they could have added more pictures for the price ... Read more

Product Description
After learning in science class that boa constrictors make wonderful pets, Alice saves her money until she has enough to buy Sir Lancelot. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

innocent kids' book
I remember doing a book report on Alice and the Boa Constrictor in the fourth grade.It was a cute book suitable for both males and females, about a fickle little girl who decides one day that she wants a snake and gets one.I hated snakes as a kid and still do, but this is a very charming book. ... Read more

Product Description
Not just a natural history book. This is a thorough how-to manual for both hobbyists and commercial breeders who wishes to keep or breed the once considered rare and exotic boa constrictor. In this must have book, the author takes us into the tropical world of the boa constrictor in all of its forms and geographic races. Over 450 full-color photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Must have in herbs library
Want to no as much as you can about Boa-constrictors this is the best out ther must have .

The Bible for keeping Boas
This book was recommended to me by a few other boa keepers. They swore by it as the must have bible for hobbyists and breeders.After receiving my copy 3 weeks ago I have to agree. This book lives up to the hype and truly is the "complete" boa constrictor book to have. If you keep boas you should own this book.

The bible of Boa Constrictor Books
This book is absolutly great for beginner snake keepers or even the advanced hobbiest. The author goes into full detail. This line of books are great. If you are interested in this book also check out "The Complete Ball Python" and "The More Complete Chondro". Hugh props to the author.

Powerful Visuals Magnify Factual Data
I am someone who got into caring and keeping snakes because a friend needed to find a new home for his Colombian "red tail" boa constrictor.Two more friends and 3 boas later, I was hooked on these gentle yet wild, powerful yet humble reptiles who clearly enjoyed living together, being handled and munching down on rats, albeit separately.But none of those friends knew for certain what sex they were and certainly nothing about their genetics.Shortly after, it became a moot point as they bred and two of them gave birth to many beautiful babies.

Still, I had always wondered what the true red tail boa looked like, where its native habitat was and whether any of my starter boas were red tails or not. Listening to stories or reading internet info only confused and convinced me that everyone believed they had the true original red tail boa.Well then I guessed, so did I and in my frequent interactions with my boas and the public, I did and still refer to them by their commonly known name of Colombian "red tail" boa constrictors. To my mind, the public is more likely to remember other facts about serpents such as their tongues smelling, that they are deaf, etc as they enjoy their brief snake encounter. In general, explanatory facts without comprehensive visuals and contrasts is not successful in retaining education.

But I have always yearned to know more, especially as my snakes have aged well into their late twenties and early thirties with me. They are family to me, around almost as long as my marriage. Their children may be mutts, but are they BC Constrictor mutts or BC Imperator mutts? So what if my snakes could give a rat's a$$ about their lineage!I need to know. This is where Vincent Russo's excellent book has created the perfect access to facts such as scale counting and visual info such as specifics in coloration and markings that is allowing me to reconstruct their family tree.

The Complete Boa Constrictor: A Comprehensive Guide to the Care, Breeding, and Geographic Races is a must have book for all of us that have boa constrictor snakes (genetics known or not), for those that enjoy educating ourselves on this "complex group of snakes [that] has the largest geographic range of any reptile on earth, spanning two continents," for those of us for whom the pictures tell as much of the story as the words, for those of us who have woken to spontaneous boa litters as well as the serious breeder, herpetologist or herpetoculturist.

I've learned that my boas are not BCC the true red tail boas, but BCI. I am still determining what locale they may have been from originally. I'm leaning towards the Sonora Desert as well as Colombia now, but it will take more enjoyable studying. And when I figure it out, I'll know what picture to put on the invitation cards for their family tree coming out party!

Serpentessa, creator of the dvd, Belly Dance With Snakes: Embody Your Inner Serpent with Serpentessa

The Best book on the subject
This is not the book a person would buy at the pet shop along with his or her first boa, and that's a shame, because this book should be mandatory prior reading for anyone who thinks they might want to own a Boa Constrictor.

Vin Russo has generated exactly what the subtitle claims,"A Comprehensive Guide to Care, Breeding, and the Geographic Races" of boa constrictors.This is in the truest sense a reference book, one to which you will return again and again to answer questions on genetics, breeding, geographic distributions, identification and that all important question; what locale must next be represented in my collection?

The first thing I noticed when I received my copy was it's heavy weight for a book of its size.This book is beautifully bound and contains 280 high gloss pages that are riddled with hundreds of great color photos (many of which are contributed by prominent figures in the herpetological community).

As soon as I began to read chapter one, I realized that this book was going to provide its readers with an education.Beginning with taxonomy and nomenclature, Vin Russo explains the history and importance of understanding how these snakes have been classified and provides a great explanation of scale counting; both how to, and the value of counting for identifying subspecies.

The chapter on genetics is worth the purchase price of the book.He explains the terms and their significance in such a way that he leaves no reader behind, yet writes with a sophistication that will end anyone's days of Punnet square shame on their favorite boa forum.If you are interested in morphs and breeding, this is a must read.

The section on basic care is a sound exposition on all the information a newer keeper needs to know to provide adequate care for a boa. Similarly, the sections on breeding and illnesses and injuries, are very good, yet plow little new ground (perhaps because there is little new ground to plow).

Russo firmly cements his place as a go-to resource for serious keepers with the second section of the book, in which he describes (in detail) "all the recognized subspecies, geographic races, and localities of the boa constrictor, including color and pattern morphs and anomalies."

He begins with Boa Constrictor Imperator and moves through its range, country by country, from north to south, describing the habitats and habits of each locality, paying special attention to variations in size and appearance, breeding peculiarities, and threats to a particular locale.A helpful item is the inclusion of known importation data on some of the more rare locales. Russoincludes the actual Cites documents in several cases, showing the limited shipments from certain places, helping to understand why the "Panamanians" at the pet store are almost certainly farmed Nicaraguans, etc.

In this section, the localities as the points of origin of many of the popular morphs are detailed, and the section on Colombians is sure to be a morph lover's favorite.

Vin treats B. C. Constrictor in a separate section, where his love of true red-tails and his years of experience with them are evidenced.His treatment of transitional forms in areas of probable inter-graded breeding is very helpful (both with BCI and BCC) in understanding why some boas are simply inter-grades where territories over lap, and other insular forms are separate subspecies.

Along with the factual data conveyed, Russo passionately pleads for responsibility among keepers and breeders, especially in regard to maintaining purity among Boas of known localities.As someone who has visited much of the range of these snakes, Russo has concluded that deforestation and other types of habitat encroachment could very well result in the herpetological hobby becoming a De facto Noah's Ark for some localities, and there may come a day when captive born boas from your locality-based collection are reintroduced to their native lands to repopulate them.Of course, this is only possible if the documented purity of the locale can be maintained.

In conclusion, this is not a book, it is an education. It is a resource.It is a reference.It is the culmination of the passion and experiences of Vincent Russo and many giants of herpetology who have gone before.

If you are only interested in a care sheet to keep a boa alive in captivity, or a guide to cranking out the best money-making morph of the moment, you won't enjoy this book.
But for those who are passionate about these magnificent animals, this book is a gift; it is a purchase you will never regret. ... Read more

Product Description
These constrictors are available to snake hobbyists in many varieties. Here is detailed information on anatomy, housing, feeding, health maintenance, and general care. Books in the comprehensive and popular BarronÂ's Complete Pet OwnerÂ's Manuals seriesadvise on feeding, health care, housing, and all other important aspects of responsible pet ownership. Each title is individually written from first page to last by a pet trainer, veterinarian, or other pet-care specialist. All Complete Pet OwnerÂ's Manuals are filled with high-quality photos and instructive line art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

informative
This book is very informative. It gives lots of information on types of boas and their temperment. It also contains information on the care and husbandry of the different boas.

Totally Average
I've had this book for several years, and find it to be roughly the same as almost any other small, paperback, guide to owning a pet.I have many books on snakes, a lot of them which are this same type of very general guide.It would be a good read for somebody considering getting a boa.However, I found it to have a lot of generalized information (as many other guide books do).If you are looking for an introduction to boas, this is a good book for you.I would hope that a new boa owner should have done their homework, and found out all of this information prior to getting their new snake.However, in the event that the new boa owner has jumped into an unplanned or impulse purchase, this is a good way to catch up and get the most basic of information.Experienced boa owners may find this to be too general.

Fantastic. To the point. Informative.
I commend the author on his works. I have purchased many small books on Boids but so far this is the best. Most books overload their pages with pictures and unuseful information, but this author knew what he was doing. A great book for novice and intermediate boa lovers, and would recommend it over and over again. Thanks for a great book.

Very Usefull
I have read some books about boas, and this one is very usefull when it comes to talk about diseases, even when the chapter about disease is short, it's clear and concise. It also talks about genetics, a little confusingfor someone new in breeding but usefull too. I consider this book is forbegginers and intermediate boa owners.

One of my favorites
This has become one of my favorite snake books.It has really solid information for the size and price.The pictures are great, but it's the little details that make it unusual, things I never would have thought todo or not do. ... Read more

Product Description
A pet boa constrictor wreaks havoc on a posh garden party. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Funny as usual, but a bit out of touch
Jimmy's Boa Bounces Back is yet another frenetic and funny book by Trina
Noble...but more notably...artwork by Steven Kellog. I bought the book for an 8 year old boy who is extremely bright...and he has always loved this series. However, the silliness of a lady's tea party is very out of his sphere and I am not sure how much he enjoyed it. The artwork was complex and expressive as usual, but my little nephew got a much bigger charge out of the newest popular series: "The Wimpy Kid" and spent hours reading and re-reading the first one of those.

Boys LOVE this book
My boys love this series of books.They are funny and well done.Bravo for good children's literature! ... Read more

Product Description
Regular old basketball practice has been taken over! MissPeachtree decides to hold dance school in the gym instead ofpractice, and Jimmy insists on dancing with his boa. Is it anywonder that the tango soon becomes the tangle? Wait until yousee what happens next! Here’s a hint: it involves a trampoline, awaltzing poodle, a herd of bouncing rabbits, and a whole lot ofsuper-fancy basketball teamwork. Nothing is ever ordinary withJimmy’s pet boa, and you have a courtside seat to witness thefunnier-than-ever mayhem. ... Read more

Product Description
Titles in the Reptile and Amphibian Keeper's Guides series instruct in all aspects of housing, feeding, breeding, and general maintenance of reptiles and amphibians. This guide deals with three varieties of terrestrial and fossorial snakes. Two varieties are from the southwest United States and Mexico, while the third (sand boas) are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Detailed information on keeping these constrictor snakes is supplemented with a wealth of instructive color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good book, but left me wanting more
This handy little paperback contains good information on the erycine boas (sand, rubber, and rosy).For the price, I can't complain.

While it may provide enough information for others, it left ME with wanting more in-depth information about all three - and their other cousin the Cameroon Burrowing Boa.My ideal erycine boa book would be five times as long, in-depth, and replete with photos.I can never get enough.As the first review said, more information on disposition, handling, history, etc. would be a start.

I still recommend this book given the low price, information included, and scarcity of similar books.

Rosy Boa Snakes
A good general book on the various species of rosy, rubber and sand boas. wish there was more detailed info on behavior, natural feeding habits and disposition. However, it is a great book for general knowledge on each species and how to identify, breeding, handling and care. Great photos. ... Read more

Product Description
At bathtime a youngster has to struggle to get his recalcitrant pet boa into the tub. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book
This was my son's favorite book when he was 7 years old.I bought this book for my grandson who loves it just as much!

Delightful
My kids (ages 4 and 2) absolutely love this book!I highly recommend it!

Very Cute!
This is an adorable story about a boy trying to give his pet boa a bath. The pictures are especially fun. Because the story rhymes it helps younger kids want to listen to the story. Even kids who can read it on their own will enjoy it. I'd recommend for kids ages 2-7.

Funny with great illustrations
A great rhyming story about how a boy gets his reluctant pet boa to take a bath.My three year old loved it. ... Read more

Product Description
Quick and slithery, snakes are fascinating examples of adaptation. Discover the bodies, homes, and life cycles of these reptiles through close-up photos. Get closer than youve ever been to snakes! ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of the large, non-poisonous, snake that suffocates its prey by squeezing it very tightly. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the natural habitats, physical characteristics, life cycle, and behavior of these non-poisonous snakes. ... Read more