The Ball Python Manual

by Philippe De Vosjoli

Written by a team of internationally respected herpetologists led by Philippe de Vosjoli, The Ball Python Manual is an authoritative introduction to this popular snake. The ball python is admired around the world for its distinctly African appearance and its relative medium size and tameability. This colorful manual offers up-to-date and reliable information on selection, acclimating, handling, housing and maintaining ball pythons, all of which will be extremely valuable to newcomers to this remarkable python. Dr. Roger Klingenberg's chapter on health care is indispensable for all snake keepers with excellent advice for troubleshooting health issues for each of the snake's anatomical regions. The breeding chapter by David and Tracy Barker discusses sexing, sexual maturity, and all aspects of captive reproduction and hatching. he volume concludes with resources and a complete index.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ali Presby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a bit outdated and even though I don’t really have any plans for breeding my guy it was still cool to read about .

[Erika Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plenty of information, but I felt the book didn't go as in depth as I would have liked. I still tend to google information for help with my ball python.

[Bryt Leblanc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outdated, but informative

[Candina Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for young teens to get the basics of ball python care. My 13 yr old granddaughter read this book front to back, as soon as she unwrapped it. She enjoyed it a lot and learned so much.

[Miranda Mayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously a little dated, but informative overall.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat informative, but seemed to rush through what I would consider the 'core' topics of royal/ball python care such as feeding, housing, etc. (there isn't much here that isn't in a good caresheet) and spends an excessive amount of time on genetics and morphology, which in my opinion is a bit of a waste considering how slow morph development is in this species.

Additionally, I thought it seemed outdated, talking a lot about the large numbers of imported pythons and problems with them when I suspect, in reality, that the majority sold (in this country at least) are now captive bred.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is extremely comprehensive, to the point of being a bit intimidating in places, but overall, I felt more confident taking care of my Ball Python than I would have without it.

However, there are some things in here that I don't think I'd feel comfortable with doing, even after having read them, luckily that's what veterinarians are for.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the only ball python book available at the pet stores around here. It is pretty good, I have an idea of all the different things they need but I would have liked to see a couple blurbs from experienced ball python owners that have maybe differing opinions or information that go beyond the basics.

[Tavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very helpful! Being a new snake owner, I loved it and I think I made less mistakes overall.