If you’re a bearded dragon owner, you know that humidity levels are an important factor in keeping your pet healthy and happy. But what is the ideal humidity level for a bearded dragon? Is 20% humidity too low for a bearded dragon?
What is humidity?
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. It is measured as a percentage and can range from 0% (completely dry) to 100% (completely saturated). Humidity levels can be affected by a variety of factors, including temperature, air flow, and moisture sources in the environment.
Is 20 humidity too low for a bearded dragon?
The answer is yes, 20% humidity is too low for a bearded dragon. While bearded dragon’s natural habitat is a dry desert, they still require humidity levels higher than 20%.
The ideal humidity level for a bearded dragon is between 35-45%.
So why is 20% humidity too low for a bearded dragon?
Well, the main reason is that it can cause dehydration. Bearded dragons need a certain amount of moisture in the air to stay hydrated, and if the humidity level is too low, they won’t be able to absorb enough moisture from the air. This can lead to a wide range of health problems.
A constant 20% humidity level will likely lead to some of the following symptoms:
If the humidity levels in your bearded dragon’s enclosure are too low, you may notice a variety of symptoms. These can include:
- Dry, flaky skin: Low humidity levels can cause your bearded dragon’s skin to become dry and flaky. This can make it difficult for them to shed properly, which can lead to skin infections. If you notice this, you should try spraying them with water.
- Difficulty shedding: If your bearded dragon is having difficulty shedding, it may be a sign that the humidity levels in their enclosure are too low. In severe cases, this can lead to retained shed, which can be painful and cause infections.
- Respiratory infections: Bearded dragons are susceptible to respiratory infections, and low humidity levels can increase their risk. If your bearded dragon is breathing heavily, wheezing, or has discharge from their nose or mouth, they may have a respiratory infection.
- Dehydration: Low humidity levels can cause your bearded dragon to become dehydrated, which can be dangerous. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. You can learn more in my guide on what does a dehydrated bearded dragon’s eyes look like?
Low humidity, coupled with any of the above symptoms, can cause a lot of stress for your bearded dragon. Stress can lead to a weakened immune system, which can make your pet more susceptible to illness and disease.
So, as you can see, 20% humidity is too low for a bearded dragon. If you want to keep your pet healthy and happy, you should aim for a humidity level between 35-45%. You can achieve this by using a humidifier in your bearded dragon’s enclosure. You can check out my recommendations in my guide on the best humidifier for bearded dragons.
If you don’t have access to a humidifier, you can mist the enclosure with water several times a day.
It’s also important to monitor the humidity level in your bearded dragon’s enclosure. You can do this with a hygrometer, which is a device that measures the humidity level in the air. This will help you make sure that the humidity level stays within the ideal range.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 20% humidity is too low for a bearded dragon. While a bearded dragon’s natural habitat is typically warm and dry, 20% is still too low.
If you want to keep your pet healthy and happy, you should aim for a humidity level between 35-45%. You can achieve this by using a humidifier in your bearded dragon’s enclosure, or by misting the enclosure with water several times a day. Monitoring the humidity level with a hygrometer is also important to make sure that the humidity level stays within the ideal range.