Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies

Product Description

Find out about your turtle or tortoise's special needs.The information you need to raise a thriving chelonian.This fun guide will help you choose the perfect turtle or tortoise for your lifestyle and give it the care it needs to thrive. Turtle and tortoise expert Liz Palika provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your chelonian.Discover how to:Select the appropriate turtle or tortoise.Provide a suitable environment.Care for a variety of species.Supply a satisfying and healthy diet.Create an indoor or outdoor home.The Dummies WayExplanations in plain English."Get in, get out" information.Icons and other navigational aids.Tear-out cheat sheet.Top ten lists.A dash of humor and fun.

Customer Reviews:

Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies.......2007-03-16

I never received this book. Sent an email to seller never received an answer. Bad, bad!!!! Very disappointed. Yes, it is paid for!

Great beginners book........2005-11-15

Clear, easy-to-read, easy-to-follow information about turtles and tortises. I purchased this book after becoming a guardian to an Arizona desert tortise. These creatures are protected and found in small areas of Nevada, California and Arizona, and there is not much information about them to be found. This book had more useful information than I received from any other source.

Not worth the money.......2004-06-17

Given that this book is obviously aimed at the beginner it would make sense for the book to offer decent info for commonly available species; mud and musk turtles, painted turtles, cooters, sliders, maybe Russian and Greek tortises, salcuttas, and some others. However, it doesn't.

The book focuses an insane amount on the large, expensive (often over 1,000US), rare-in-captivity tortises like the Galapagos and aldabra tortise, which are exactly what the novice keeper wont' likely be buying. The common, affordable, and easier to keep turtles and tortises are given short shrift in this book. They may get a line or two, but that's about it.
Furthermore, what information is given seems suspect; reccomended cage sizes tend to be on the small side, temps can be off, as can humidity. It's really not worth having--I threw my copy away.

Save your money.......2004-03-17

I purchased this book thinking (hoping) it would be the excellent source of information it is advertised to be; it is not.

I am very experienced in keeping all kinds of companion animals. As a rule, when I think I might want to add a new species to my household, I research the critter in question with great care. I purchased this book prior to getting my first tortoise. At the same time, I began researching my chosen species on the internet. Based upon what I have learned on the net and in speaking with tortoise keepers & breeders via e-mail/telephone and in person at "reptile expos", the information in this book is at best dated and over simplified and at worst may be dangerous to your pet.

The kindest thing I can say about this book is that it is poorly organized. This alone makes it difficult to formulate an understanding of tortoise culture. Further, the author often contradicts herself, causing the reader to question whether they are misunderstanding the text as they go.

Turtles and torts are highly specialized - they do not adapt to us as dogs or cats do. We MUST adapt to them and fulfill their very specific needs completely. Please research your chosen species very carefully before you purchase a turtle or tort!

If you simply must buy this book, please do not use it as your only or best source of info.

Great for box and tortoise lovers.......2004-01-12

The author was very knowledgeable about her favorites: box turtles and (large) tortoises. That's all well and good, but... None of these turtles are suited for indoor keeping! I would expect that most prospective or current turtle keepers want or have smaller turtles, and it would have been nice to get more detailed info about them. If you can keep your chenolians in an outdoor habitat, BUY THIS BOOK. Otherwise, find another.

Tortoises and Box Turtles Complete Owner's Manual

Average customer rating:

Some good and some very bad information.
Attractive
Good for beginner
A turtle book apparently by a turtle enthusiast
This inexpensive book is informative and enjoyable.

Tortoises and Box Turtles Complete Owner's Manual
Hartmut Wilke
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Turtles and Tortoises (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies
The Guide to Owning a Box Turtle
Box Turtles: Facts & Advice on Care and Breeding (Reptile and Amphibian Keeper's Guide)
The Pet Owner's Guide to the Tortoise (Pet Owner's Guide S.)

ASIN: 0764111817

Product Description

This handsomely illustrated book presents a wealth of information on the purchase, housing, and general care of tortoises and box turtles. Books in the Complete Pet Owner's Manuals series present basic information about pets for new or soon-to-be owners, as well as detailed information for other animal hobbyists. Advice and instruction covers purchase, equipment, general care and maintenance, and much more. Texts emphasize the basics and are easy for all readers to understand, but most titles in this series also present facts that even experienced owners and hobbyists will find new and useful. All books in this series are filled with high quality full-color photos and instructive line drawings. Paperback / 64 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2000

Customer Reviews:

Some good and some very bad information........2003-06-17

This book is good as a very basic introduction to Box Turtles and Tortoises. The pictures are good and some of the advice on certain species is worth while.

However, there is some very bad information included. As anexample, increasing the humidity for a Star Tortoise. This advice will secure large vet bills for you from the respiratory issues your Star will certainly develop. Another is keepng your tortoise in a glass aquarium or glass sided enclosure.

I doubt the auther has any real-life experience with many of the tortoise species he mentions in this book. If he did, most will be quite ill or no longer with us.

Attractive.......2002-05-15

This book is really good for beginner. The high quality picture significantly pushing to own a tortoise.
Clear and straightforward presentation for easy understand, although your are very beginner, you can successfully get the basic knowledge.

However, you cannot find detail information in this book because it gives general information only. Actually, if you already feed your tortoise more than half year, then this book is not suitable to you.

Good for beginner.......2002-05-15

This book is really good for beginner. The high quality picture significantly pushing me to own a tortoise.
Clear and straightforward presentation for easy understand, although your are very beginner, you can successfully get the basic knowledge.

A turtle book apparently by a turtle enthusiast.......2001-11-29

I've read a lot of turtle care books, and this is one of my faves! It's very colorful and entertaining. The author knows his subject and is passionate about it. The guide to reading a turtle's body language was really unique. It was like someone else finally realized there was so much more to keeping turtles as pets. :)

This inexpensive book is informative and enjoyable........2000-03-31

An illustration is worth a thousand words and the combination of pictures, illustrations and practical knowledge makes this an excellent book for both the new pet owner and serious hobbyists.

Product Description

An introduction to the American box turtles, genus Terrapene, with details of natural history of the two most common species as well as general care, feeding, and breeding. Fully illustrated in color.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book!.......2003-10-18

I recently bought a box turtle and this book was very useful! It's great for anyone who has a box turtle or who is thinking of buying one. The pictures are beautiful and helpful as well. Full of great information on feeding, housing and much more.

Indispensable Resource.......2001-09-07

An excelent source of information on Box turtles of all types. Details about many species and subspecies and incredible eye catching photographs with expert discussion.

Everything u need to know.............1998-10-03

Without this book my Coura Amboiensis would have been a less happier turtle. A really good book, beautiful pictures.

Tells you everything you need to know about box turtles!.......1998-09-30

This is a great book! All of the photos are in color, and there are pictures of every kind of box turtle you could possibly find. There are also pictures of products and foods for box turtles. The book tells you where to get a turtle, what to do if your turtle is sick, how and where to house them, how to breed and hibernate them, and how to take care of baby box turtles. The pictures are beautiful!!! If you have a box turtle, then this is a really cool book.

Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles

Average customer rating:

Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles
R.D. Bartlett , and Patricia Bartlett
Manufacturer: Barron''s Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Turtles and Tortoises (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
The Guide to Owning a Red-Eared Slider
Turtles (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems
The Turtle: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet

Accessories:

Terrarium and Cage Construction and Care
Turtles and Tortoises (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Turtles (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

ASIN: 0764122789

Product Description

Aquatic turtles are available to collectors and breeders in more than 20 different species. This guide offers sound advice on the maintenance and care of all of them. Titles in this series present basic information on reptiles plus specific instructions for their care. Each book opens with a description of the animal as it exists in its natural habitat, then continues with information on its life cycle and distribution in nature. Readers then get advice on selecting a good specimen, determining sex, and providing proper housing, feeding, and health care. Books are heavily illustrated with instructive color photos. Paperback / 48 Pages / 5 5/8 x 8 3/16 / 2003

Turtles and Tortoises (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

Average customer rating:

Interesting and new to me
Great resource for the new turtle owner
Good book with general information
Inexpensive & Invaluable
One of the best turtle care books on the market!

Turtles and Tortoises (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
Richard Bartlett , and Patricia Bartlett
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Tortoises and Box Turtles Complete Owner's Manual
Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies
Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles
The Turtle: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
The Guide to Owning a Box Turtle

ASIN: 0812097122

Product Description

Is a turtle easier to keep than a tortoise? For that matter, what are the differences between the two? These are only the first of many questions answered in this book. The authors describe both indoor and outdoor housing, discuss lighting and heating, and go into great detail on questions of food, health care, and breeding. Paperback / 120 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 1996

Customer Reviews:

Interesting and new to me.......2007-10-08

I just wanted to learn more about turtles and it has lots of info about different types of turtles. It is in a pretty easy format and has lots of photos too.

Great resource for the new turtle owner.......2003-07-21

When I got my turtle, Tim, I didn't know a thing about turtles - so I got this book as well as did a ton of research online. This book has TONS of good information (and pictures) about how to care for and house turtles. My turtle is several years old now, and is very happy and healthy. I recommend this to anyone who is looking to get a pet turtle. The reality of turtle-keeping is that it is a LOT of work. Turtles are dirty, and even with high powered filters their tanks need constant cleaning. I didn't know what I was getting in to, but it's worth the effort! Turtles are wonderful pets, and this book will give you all the basic information you need to know.

Good book with general information.......2002-01-10

This is a great book to get you started in the hobby. This book is loaded with valuable information in an easy to read format with loads of pictures and examples. The basics are covered as well as a few of the more in depth topics. The chapters on breeding and hybernating are a little confusing and more information and ideas could have been added. The differences in the requirments needed by different species could have been covered also. This is a general care book. Nothing to fancy. If you want specifics buy a book on the species you are interested in.

Inexpensive & Invaluable.......2000-05-03

For such little investment a wealth of information. From species identification and care basics to 72 color pictures and great tips from true turtle experts. This is a must for a turtle enthusiasts library!

One of the best turtle care books on the market!.......1998-06-20

Though inexpensive, this book provides a wealth of excellent information. It is the most used book in my extensive collection of turtle identification and care books. All turtle owners, beginners and experienced alike, should have this book.

Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems

Average customer rating:

Accurate info but not much of it
Great Resource
RES in a nutshell
Red-Eared Sliders
Good, basic information

Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems
Philippe De Vosjoli
Manufacturer: BowTie Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Guide to Owning a Red-Eared Slider
Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles
The Turtle: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies
Turtles (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

ASIN: 1882770684

Book Description

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, how to determine the sex of your turtle, how to breed red-eared sliders along with proven techniques for feeding, heating, filtering the water and the use of plants. You'll be amazed by what you didn't know! Color photos of different morphs and other popular freshwater turtles. 47p. color.

Customer Reviews:

Accurate info but not much of it.......2006-09-05

The information in this book is all accurate. The author clearly knows what he is talking about. Unfortunatley there isn't much detail about certain aspects of owning a red-eared slider such as how much to feed it, issues of egg binding, behavior, how they process sensory input (vision and smell)etc. I was actually able to find more information on certain websites after doing a Google search. Not worth the money.

Great Resource.......2005-02-28

I have used this book for a couple of years now sort of as my "Bible" on raising my slider turtles, thanks to it I was able to sucessfully raise a hatchling & make upgrades to my setup to meet the needs of 3 growing turtles. It covers a broad spectrum of just about everything you need to know from housing to feeding to breeding. This is just a great book!!

RES in a nutshell.......2003-05-26

All you ever wanted to know about this particular yet popular pet. Easy to read, all topics covered, small, cheap, get it.

Red-Eared Sliders.......2001-11-24

I like this book because it easy reading.

Good, basic information.......2001-08-28

This is a good basic book about red-eared sliders. You will learn details about sex identification and varieties, environmental needs, diseases, feeding, and even breeding. The author does a good job of describing the types and sizes of enclosures needed, water filtration, basking and light needs, and temperature. The need to have an easy system of water cleaning is emphasized. There is some discussion about recognizing symtoms of sickness and how to solve the problem usually either through changes in the environment or diet. Even with a book such as this, caring for turtles would definitely be somewhat of a learn as you go endeavor. This book can get one started but careful observation and fine tuning is required.

Average customer rating:

Aquatic Turtles (Complete Herp Care)
David T. Kirkpatrick
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles
The Guide to Owning a Red-Eared Slider
Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems
Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies
Popular Tortoises (Advanced Vivarium Systems)

ASIN: 0793828856

Book Description

For both beginner and advanced hobbyists comes a brand new reptile and amphibian series. Each title 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.

Product Description

Most box turtle varieties are poor swimmers, and prefer both natural and terrarium environments where waters are shallow. Here's is detailed advice on all aspects of their care and maintenance. Books in this series give hobbyists basic information on reptiles' anatomy, life cycles, and traits, as well as specific instructions on care and breeding. There is expert information on selecting good specimens, determining sex, providing proper caging, nutritious feeding, and health care. All books are heavily illustrated with full-color photos. Paperback / 48 Pages / 5 5/8" x 8 3/16" / 2001

Customer Reviews:

Great book ! ! ! !.......2003-01-15

This book is great if you have JUST received a box turtle ,but really only gives general information on them. It has LOTS of great pictures..... Was very happy with the book and the wonderful pictures it contained. Great for a beginner box turtle keeper.

The Turtle: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet

Average customer rating:

dated
Could be better
The Turtle
Interesting, informative, easy-to-read turtle guide.
Good for beginners

The Turtle: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Lenny, Jr. Flank
Manufacturer: Howell Book House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Turtles (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies
Turtles and Tortoises (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles
Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems

ASIN: 0876054998

Product Description

Written by a chelonian lover whose collection of reptiles and amphibians numbers close to 100 specimens. Advice on the 10 best and 10 worst turtles and tortoises for beginners.

Customer Reviews:

dated.......2006-07-02

INteresting and beautifully presented,but some informations are utterly dangerous,as the advice to give tortoises(Vegeterian) canned dog's food.This can provoque some shell deformation and food deficiences.These informations are dated and misleading for a new owner.Beautiful photos,though,and good understanding of turtles ' behaviour.

Could be better.......2004-05-06

It does not cover most of the turtle species, little information on breeding and important stuff, it is more like a magazine than a book, good pictures though.

The Turtle.......1999-11-28

I really enjoyed the book. It had a lot of information, and answered a lot of my questions.

Interesting, informative, easy-to-read turtle guide........1999-10-12

I really enjoyed this guide. It is well written, easy to read, and manages to give the information that is most important for the turtle enthusiast in a condensed fashion. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in turtles.

Good for beginners.......1998-06-25

The color pictures and good care advice make this a useful first book on turtles. Some incorrect information is mixed in (e.g. the Asian box turtle[tropical and aquatic] is said to be cared for like the Chinese box turtle [temperate and terrestrial]). And the lack of an index makes it useless at a quick resource.

Average customer rating:

Great Beginner's Book

Turtles (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
Hartmut Wilke
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reptiles & Amphibians | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Turtle: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Aquatic Turtles: Sliders, Cooters, Painted, and Map Turtles
The Guide to Owning a Red-Eared Slider
Turtles & Tortoises for Dummies
Red-Eared Sliders: From the Experts at Advanced Vivarium Systems

ASIN: 0764111833

Book Description

Here are detailed instructions on turtle care, safe handling, feeding, health care, and general maintenance.

Customer Reviews:

Great Beginner's Book.......2003-10-22

This is a great book if you are a beginner turtle owner. Covers almost ever aspect of turtle care, from intial care to "training" your turtle. Could have been a bit more in-depth and detailed on cerain topics (e.g. the species guide) though. Also some of the ideas put forward seem to be a little out-dated or "incorrect" depending on what website you visit (e.g. hibertation in a fridge). One should supplement this book with reseach from other sources, especially the Internet.

All in all a great beginner's book.

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