I have been strongly considering getting a bearded dragon. I've been researching like crazy! But all the care sheets say different things and honestly I don't know What to believe.
First of all: is it ok to house them in glass tanks? I know with tortoises most people say they are cruel because they will spend their entire life focusing on getting out. Also I've heard it does not provide adequate ventilation. However, I have read it is ok as long as one covers at least 3 sides of it with paper. But with bearded dragons I am reading that it is ok. I have a large wooden house that I used for my tortoise. Is it ok to use the same one for a bearded dragon? (I am aware that they are very different. But I'm curious as to if I can reuse some of my stuff. I have the combined heating/UVB lamp, I have a thermometer, etc) pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Second: food: how much protein and how much veggies or fruit? (I do not believe in feeding reptiles cat food or dog food and I have stayed away from any sites that claim this is ok) what it good to feed him and what is a "nono"?
Basically I'm asking does anyone have a lot of experience with these animals? Or know of a trusted and well-respected site or book. It's so hard trying to get the correct information on these animals because there's so much debate! I just want to make sure I know everything I can about bearded dragons so I can provide this animal with a healthy life.

P.s. Know of any reputable places in NY that sell captive breed beardies?
P.p.s. Please don't hesitate to Tell me everything you know about bearded dragons. It's greatly appreciated.

Hello please go to a rescue! They have them in rescue to where we can not take anymore in!
scalesandtails.org is great! please be careful who you get one from and check your local laws

20 yrs rescue rehab and housing reptiles

Glass tanks= Yes, if there are not other animals in the room.
Food= http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutritionframeset.html Very good site for food info for dragons.

Bearded Dragons are great pets, and if you have further questions, just go on Yahoo answers! Enjoy your new pet!

I have two Bearded dragons.

make sure you have a razor and some shaving cream

Most breeders build their own cages from wood, but the fronts are always glass. From what I've read as long as the back and sides appear solid (covered) you should be fine. They seem to enjoy watching us anyway.

Food: This depends a bit on your specific dragon, it also varies with age. Juvies are normally fed much more protein than veggies, with adults being more likely to eat veggies. That doesn't mean your dragon will eat veggies, as many refuse. Steer away from any prepared bearded dragon diets, especially ones that say complete. They aren't, and they haven't really been in captivity long enough to have any one figuring out what would go into a complete diet.

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

As to which sites to believe if it sounds too good to be true it likely is. The basics. They do require UVB lights, and these lights will need to be replaced about every 6 months. They do require a hot (90-105 F) basking spot, slightly warmer for juvies than adults. The basking spot must be large enough for the dragon to get it's entire body warm at the same time. You want the rest of the cage in the 70-80 F range, giving a gradient so the dragon can decide where to hang out.

If you use a Halogen High output UVB bulb for the basking spot you should not supplement with D3, if you use a standard fluorescent basking light you should, but sparingly. New research indicates that D3 is best supplied with light as dietary supplements aren't very efficient, and often lead to overdoses. Babies need more supplementing than adults as they are growing a skeleton, rather than just maintaining it.

They need a large cage. 36" x 18" minimum footprint for 1 adult dragon. 48" x" 18" better size for 1 adult dragon. Babies can live in smaller tanks, but expect to need a large cage. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

As for books I'd probably try this one first The Bearded Dragon Manual by Philippe de Vosjoli. Most big pet stores should have it.

P.S. All bearded dragons in the pet trade are captive bred. It is illegal for them to be exported from Australia. They were originally smuggled out and bred here, so technically the ones available now are only available due to the illegal pet trade.