* Essential colour-illustrated family reference guide to keeping the most popular pet species and breeds. * Illustrated with over 800 full-colour photographs and with an informative text from one of the subject's leading world experts. * Practical advice on choosing and buying a pet, housing, feeding, handling, showing and healthcare. This expertly written guide looks at small mammals - including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and jirds, chinchillas, rats and mice - as well as birds, herptiles, invertebrates and fish. There is detailed advice on how to choose the best pet for your lifestyle and which species are the most suitable for younger children, as well as practical tips on what to look for when buying a pet; suitable housing and exercise; foods for a balanced diet; pet health and how to respond when your pet is sick. The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Small Pets and Petcare is an essential reference guide for the whole family: this comprehensive volume will help you make the right choices with confidence, so you can offer your pet and smallest family member a comfortable and caring home.