You are absolutely correct there are many factors, I am zeroing in on one (not as wide of a paint brush as you would think). Yes books and research can always change and as soon as I have evidence that hot basking spots do more harm than good in a properly set up enclosure or in a natural environment I will change my tone, until then I will keep posting my updates to those who want to know as I do.
You will find I have no problem with changing my view but I seldom take advice from people with grand collections and too little time to really focus on a specific problem. This translate right into the
BCC regurgitation, breeders have "fixed" the problem so why look into it any deeper? Simple breeders have not answered the question of large cages with broader temp gradients and the affect on regurgitation, nor if regurgitation is common in the wild.
Now Tammy made a great observation and instead of people noting it, they turn this into a fly off the handle peeing contest over who knows who, who keeps what and what is "more delicate".
Sorry I have too much to learn and the more I do find credible sources the less I listen to big collectors or those who have a ton of short term experience with a broad range of reptiles (jack of all reptiles master of none).
I am concerned with learning about boas and pythons that get over 8 feet, varanids that get over 4 feet, crocodilians and alligator snapping turtles. People who brag about their venomous collection or field research on a garter snake really is not impressive to me.
Alligators are a very delicate species because they take a long time to reach sexual maturity in fact many "experts" are not even sure at what age or size this occurs. You simply can not start a breeding project for them in hopes of re-release instead you have to try and relocate species and hope you have enough mature ones to try and repopulate areas. How ever with relocating extensive DNA tests on Illinois snappers had to be done to be sure they are similar to other state species. And much of it is not from consumption but there are few habitats that can support them in Illinois anymore.
