Honestly I have not done any personal studies. The UVB study did raise the question about light intensity. SDR did a study growing hatchlings in doors rather than in their outdoor enclosures and it came up inconclusive if the positive effects on the dragons diet, activity, and color were from the high amounts of UVB or the intensity of the light from the outdoors. They found the ideal setup consisted of a mercury vapor bulb and many incandescents so it could be both. Hopefully someone down the line will do some more conclusive research. (I may do some on a clutch of mine...I have a year off before going for my DVM).



As far as vitamin D3 my conjectures are mostly based on my knowledge of human nutrition. Since D3 is fat soluble it is possible to overdose although it does not happen often in humans. Looking at the dosages on the multivitamin supplements there is a relatively high amount of D3 compared to a young dragons body mass.



If you keep accurate records, you should compile the data from your dragons and post it. I would definitely be interested in the amount of D3 that is nontoxic to a 10g baby bearded. Another thing you may want to try (maybe you have?) is to buy one mercury vapor bulb, use it on a dragon or a group of dragons and see if you notice a change in activity, appetite or color.



Peter

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