Is there a good general work of literature for the care of a variety of herps?

[Kinstrome]

(I know that I can probably find all the relevant info from this site alone, or the internet in general, but I prefer to read physical textbooks when possible.)

I am considering making money on the side by building custom vivariums for people, as I've already made many of them. But I need a pretty gold-standard source of info to make sure absolutely nothing could harm the herps that live inside. A few months ago I didn't even know the dangers of aromatic cedar, so obviously I have a ways to go.

Is a herpetology text likely to meet my needs? Or is there something else you would recommend?

[bcr229]

Make them out of XPVC. Light, easy to work, cleans up easily, holds humidity well, safe for herps.

[Kcl]

A herpetology text is not what you are looking for. My herpetology textbook was focused on phylogeny, anatomy, range, etc. Herpetology is not focused on captive animal husbandry.

As far as vivariums go, Advanced Vivarium Systems has a series of books. I personally have read the below and appreciated the information and felt it was well done:

https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Snake...N9ADJ86B1QJNJ7

They also have this book, which I personally have not read:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADOG0U2...ng=UTF8&btkr=1

[paulh]

Snakes of the United States and Canada: Keeping Them Healthy in Captivity by John V. Rossi (for eastern 2/3 of US & Canada)

Snakes of the United States and Canada: Keeping Them Healthy in Captivity: Western Area by John V. Rossi

[Kinstrome]

Thanks, I bought the art of keeping snakes book and a couple others on general herps.

[Jhill001]

Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates: An Identification and Care Guide by Bartlett, R.D. is a book containing just about every commonly kept herp that there is. The newest edition is fine but some of the cage size recommendations are absolute minimums and some are just plainly too small particularly with the lizard sections. There is the briefest of information on each species but it will give a decent database of commonly kept species from which you can then go googling for more information.

I would say that in regards to building enclosures, if it's fish safe it's reptile safe is the general rule of thumb.