Books Barker vs. McCurley

"Pythons of the World vol.II" or "Complete Ball Python". Which is better and why? If only get one which one, or best to get both? Also any help on the DVD from Dr. Seward's "Ball Python Breeding" or his VHS "Determining Sex in Snakes"??? Thanks

Well, I wouldn't say one is better than the other. Kevin's book is more "reader friendly" and the Barkers goes a lot more into the scientific and natural history of ball pythons. I own both, and if asked to choose just one - I wouldn't be able to.

I don't have either of the videos, so someone else would need to comment.

the easy answer is: if you want the book for info on ONLY ball pythons, then McCurley is the way to go.
If you need info on other pythons.....then get both! :banana:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fishmommy

the easy answer is: if you want the book for info on ONLY ball pythons, then McCurley is the way to go.
If you need info on other pythons.....then get both! :banana:

---

Actually, Pythons of the World, Vol II IS all about ball pythons and no other species of pythons. ;)

Go with both!

oh...my mistake.

the title is somewhat misleading!

I have the McCurley book but (obviously) not the other one :oops:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by fishmommy

oh...my mistake.

the title is somewhat misleading!

I have the McCurley book but (obviously) not the other one :oops:

---

Well, the complete title is Pythons of the World, Vol II: Ball Pythons :P

D'OH :salute:

I LOVE, and own, them both. But, if backed against a wall by a gang of uzi-toting, reptile smuggling, terrorists, I'd say the Barker book is my favorite.

I have both and I reference both all the time. Kevin's book is fun, inspiring, and gives great basic information that is quick to find and helpful for the hobbyist. The Barker's book is gorgeous and very very informative with snake anatomy, drop dead pictures, and tons of information. If a choice needed to be made for the sake of finances, I would buy Kevin's book first and the immediately start saving for the Barker's.

Thank you for all your help

sorry couldnt jus pick 1 !!! i bought both books... both are really good, alot of info and pics !!! one is jus bigger than the other 2 me. i got the Barker's Book 1st, then kevin's.

I love the VPI book, it is so chocked full of info, I absolutely love it and reference to it whenever possible.

I have no doubt that Kevin's Complete Ball Python is just as insightful and worth it's weight in gold. I had to make a decision and went with VPI first; Kevin's is most definitely on it's way! :D

I picked up McCurleys book when I got my first python and let me say, for a beginner bp owner PICK IT UP! i reference it ALL the time! it has everything I could ask for without making it complicated.

I own both and like Robin, I wouldn't be able to decide between them. Even though both breeders have been working with ball pythons and reptiles in general for a bazillion years, the subtle differences in approaches and "what works for them" makes owning and reading both books excellent research for one's self and figuring out your own approach. =)

Although I have to say the Barker's book is better if kept by the door as a self-defense weapon...sucker weighs a million pounds, could seriously bop someone on the head with it. :D

I've got both and They are both well worth while owning. They each have a different focus and I really couldn't pick one over the other. Kevins book is geared more towards pet ownership and breeding, while the Barkers book is more detailed with a lot more background information. If you're serious about ball pythons I'd have to say that both are a must have. Of the videos, I've only got the ball python breeding video and don't have the snake sexing one. The ball python breeding video is good though and gives a nice overview of the breeding cycle though both books go into more detail.

Mark.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cassandra

I own both and like Robin, I wouldn't be able to decide between them. Even though both breeders have been working with ball pythons and reptiles in general for a bazillion years, the subtle differences in approaches and "what works for them" makes owning and reading both books excellent research for one's self and figuring out your own approach. =)

Although I have to say the Barker's book is better if kept by the door as a self-defense weapon...sucker weighs a million pounds, could seriously bop someone on the head with it. :D

---

LOL... right!?!? I TRIED reading it at bed time, almost broke my nose! :oops: It's new home is gonna be the coffee table :D