EXOTIC ANIMALS AS PETS

Sound, well-organized information on the acquisition and care of ""exotic"" animals--snakes, turtles, amphibians, lizards, parrots, and fish. Rosenfeld, whose childhood allergies precluded the keeping of furry pets, and drove him, instead, toward collecting ""scaled, feathered, and moist-skinned creatures."" here shares his expertise. For each of the six types of animals discussed. Rosenfeld gives a brief but informative rundown of that animal's biology (snakes are vertebrates, have three-chambered hearts, and, we learn, never stop growing). He also efficiently reviews feeding and housing requirements (the diet of the parrot, a voracious seed-eater, must be supplemented with fruits and vegetables: all fish tanks need to be covered to prevent fish from leaping out) gives tips on how to select a healthy animal (and how to determine its age and sex). recommends to lite prospective pet owner a number of species for each group of animals (basing his choices on charm, hardiness, price, and availability). and makes helpful suggestions on the best places to buy exotic pets. Rosenfeld vigilantly emphasizes responsible pet ownership and adds much color to the book through warm, personal anecdotes about his own eclectic menagerie.