When I first came into the reptile world, the first "authority" I found was Kaplan. I read her website and always wondered why, if she was so devoted to education and the care of reptiles, she filled her works up with put downs and negative remarks. I realize now that she must have another agenda, because no one in the pursuit of spreading accurate information will fill their care sheets up with inacurracies. All over the site are these dubious caresheets, as well as statements and remarks on how "repulsive" and unsuitable reptile pets are. When I read one of her stories on why reptiles are unsuitable, I can't help but notice how poorly (and poorly is an understatement) the supposed "expert" keeper kept his animals. Obviously if their animals are dying at an alarming rate and over hundreds are being kept in such a short time, the keeper really has to be doing something wrong. Same with that college student. She supposedly buys an iguana when it's a hatchling, but three years later it has MBD? The keeper is really doing something terribly wrong!
Just now I was browsing MK's website, I clicked the link to see what she has written on bearded dragon, mostly because I have one and I've read the care guides from many web sites, as well as listened to many experts in the field. I found this:
You can find the hole page here:
http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html
Here is a little snippet:
"As the dragon grows, it is better to feed him mice (pinks, fuzzies, crews, young adult) rather than mostly insects. Whole rodent prey is more nutritious - and will not cause the impaction that insect prey can."
Having read that, do you still feel she is the foremost authority on bearded dragons or any reptile? Nearly all keepers and breeders that I have spoken to are divided on the issue of feeding mice to beardies. Some do it as a once-in-a-while treat to fatten up a bit after breeding, but many others claim it can do more harm than good because impaction issues do indeed exist with dragons and rodents. Others still say that dragons aren't designed to handle the heavy load of "nutrients" that mice will give all at one time. No where, however, is there any one who agrees that mice are a staple food for dragons. Even when mice are fed, only a pinky or fuzzy is used, never anything leading up to a young adult. Maybe a large monitor lizard, but a bearded dragon?