Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons

Is 50 Humidity Too High for Bearded Dragon? A Beginner's Guide to Proper Bearded Dragon Care

Pets & Animals

Introduction

Bearded dragons are popular pets due to their docile nature and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, they do have specific needs when it comes to their environment and care. One such need is maintaining proper humidity levels within their enclosure.

In this post, we’ll cover everything beginners need to know about bearded dragon care, including what humidity level is appropriate for their health and well-being.

Understanding Bearded Dragon Humidity Requirements

Bearded dragons are native to arid regions of Australia, which means they require low humidity environments to thrive as pets. The optimal humidity range for bearded dragons is between 30-40%. However, a range of 20-50% should be acceptable as long as it doesn’t stay at the higher end for prolonged periods.

Keeping humidity levels in check is important for preventing health issues such as dermatitis, respiratory infections, and lethargy. High humidity levels can also lead to bacterial and fungal growth within the enclosure, which can quickly become dangerous for your bearded dragon.

Measuring Bearded Dragon Humidity Levels

It’s important to measure the humidity levels within your bearded dragon’s enclosure regularly. There are several tools available on the market, including digital hygrometers and humidity gauges, to help you maintain optimal humidity levels.

bearded-dragon-hygrometer

These instruments should be placed at various points within the enclosure, including the cool end and warm end, to provide you with an accurate picture of humidity levels throughout the day and night.

Causes of High Humidity in a Bearded Dragon Enclosure

There are several factors that can contribute to high humidity levels within a bearded dragon enclosure. These include:

  • Lack of ventilation in the enclosure
  • Frequent misting or humidifying of the enclosure
  • Leaking water bowls or other sources of water within the enclosure
  • Too much substrate or a substrate that holds onto moisture for too long
  • High ambient humidity levels in the room where the enclosure is located

bearded-dragon-substrate

How to Lower Humidity Levels in a Bearded Dragon Enclosure

If you find that your bearded dragon’s enclosure is consistently at or above 50% humidity, there are several steps you can take to lower the humidity levels:

  • Increase ventilation within the enclosure by adding more air holes or a larger mesh top
  • Reduce the frequency of misting or humidifying of the enclosure
  • Fix any sources of water leakage within the enclosure
  • Switch to a substrate that doesn’t hold onto moisture as much or reduce the depth of the current substrate
  • Move the enclosure to a room with lower ambient humidity levels

bearded-dragon-enclosure

Conclusion

Maintaining proper humidity levels within your bearded dragon’s enclosure is an essential part of proper care. Remember to measure humidity levels regularly and take steps to reduce humidity levels if they consistently exceed 50%. By keeping humidity levels in check, you can help prevent potentially serious health issues and ensure that your bearded dragon stays happy and healthy.