My P.O. Box was messed up for a while, but after finally getting everything straigtned out, I received my copy of "Cornsnakes in Captivity" by Don Soderberg. I have since read though it, and wanted to say a couple of things about it that I found particularly helpful.
First, the book is written in a very information-centered format, acknowledging the tried and true methods of husbandry, without falling prey to the "thou shalts" and "thou shalt nots" that are often imposed upon new keepers as cornsnake law.
Second, the chapter on feeding and watering your corn is excellent. The detail offered in relation to wild corn diets, vitamin supplementation, and the handling of problem feeders will give even the newest of keepers the help needed to be successful.
Third, the chapter on breeding is as extensive an explanation as I have seen, without being overly burdensome to the reader. If a new breeder follows the concepts outlined in Don's book, he/she will undoubtedly be a terrific success.
Fourth, the chapter on diseases and disorders is great, and it should be a wonderful reseource for those, who have the task of caring fo an animal about which most home-town-vets are clueless.
Finally, the pictures are terrific...especially that pied-sided bloodred!
In fact, the only downside I see is that it should slow the board up a bit when the newbies decide to read the answers for themselves, rather than asking all of us.
Thanks for all of your efforts, Don. You may have just finished this book, but I'm ready for the next volume aleady!
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Darin Chappell
Hillbilly Herps
PO Box 254
Rogersville, MO 65742
