Is 20 Humidity Too Low For Bearded Dragon? (The Truth)

You already know that high humidity levels can harm our bearded dragon’s health, especially if humidity exceeds 60% in their tank. However, when learning about the consequences of keeping bearded dragons at low humidity levels, you might wonder, ‘Is 20 Humidity Too Low for Bearded Dragons?’. If you are looking for an answer to this question, you are in the right place.

Today, we will discuss the most frequently asked question: is 20 humidity too low for a bearded dragon? If yes, what to do about it?

Many people have faced confusion after reading different guides on bearded dragon care. Well, only some of the guides are correct or misleading.

It’s just some incomplete information or a few silly mistakes that cause the content to be confusing for a few folks. Thankfully, you won’t have to worry because I will give you an in-depth analysis on keeping bearded dragons at 20% humidity level and where you need to pay attention. So, without wasting time, let’s begin.

Is 20 Humidity Too Low For Bearded Dragon?

There needs to be clarity between a few people on the ideal humidity level for bearded dragons. Reputed guides like the US Davis Office Of Research suggest that 20-40% is the ideal humidity range for beardies, whereas the University of Queensland claims 30-40% is the best. Both guides are nearly correct, and 20% humidity for short periods isn’t a problem for well-hydrated adult beardies.

In the shedding season, however, a 20% humidity level will be below par for proper beardies’ assistance. You shouldn’t keep bearded dragon humidity too low during the shedding period. Instead, you should give some extra hand and help your pet shed properly. In the shedding season, you should regularly bathe your bearded dragons to assist with shedding. If this is not a shedding season, a 20% humidity level is acceptable.

If too much fluctuation or humidity sometimes falls below 20%, it’s not good. Then I would advise you to invest in a good quality humidifier for bearded dragons. Based on my experience, the Eva Dry Dehumidifier is the best mini dehumidifier for reptiles like bearded dragon species.

However, you must know that 30% humidity is the least I suggest for bearded dragons in tanks. I always prefer to keep my bearded dragons in a tank with at least 30-40% humidity. Sometimes, the humidity shoots up to 50, which is normal in seasonal changes.

If you think 50 humidity can be detrimental for your bearded dragons, consider checking my other helpful guide on ‘Is 50 humidity is too high for bearded dragon’. Coming back to the point, 20% humidity or below is low. However, some bearded dragons may only need a 20% humidity level, especially if you live in an arid area. If you cannot level or wish to keep your dragons at a 20% humidity level for a certain period, follow the tips below.

5 Tips For Keeping Bearded Dragon At 20 Humidity

Assist With Shedding

Bearded dragons need to shed because of new growth or the need for damaged skin replacement. If your bearded dragon is at its growing stage, it is more likely to shed. Weekly occurrence of shedding is also what you can expect from 0-6 months old bearded dragons. On the other hand, adult bearded dragons are likely to act a bit irritated or not enjoy being held in when shedding. Below are a few more signs that tell your beardie is about to shed. If your pet exhibits any of the behavior, it’s time that you provide them with a proper bath regularly.

Bearded Dragon Lethargic.
Black Beard.
Irritability.
Eye Inflation.
Loss Of Appetite.
Raised Patches Of Skin.
Not Wanting To Be Handled.
Milky White Or Color Faded Scales.
Rubbing Against Things Or Scratching/Itching.

At 20% humidity level, a bearded dragon may get grumpy & stressed when shedding. You might also notice your pet suffering from loss of appetite & lots of itching, which is all quite normal. It’s best to raise the humidity to 40-50% so your pet can soak & help loosen the skin to shed properly.

To learn ‘how to increase humidity in a bearded dragon tank,’ you can consider reading my recently published article about nine proven ways to raise the RH in a beardie’s tank.

If you wish to keep your bearded dragon at 20% humidity or cannot raise the humidity level in the tank, consider providing them with a moist hide area. I suggest you use a hollow log partially filled with damp moss for bearded dragons. Click learn “Why Do Bearded Dragons Need A Moist Hide?” & How to set it up using sphagnum moss for bearded dragons.

Also, ensure you use the appropriate substrate for bearded dragons that helps clean the shed. If you use live plants for bearded dragons, always choose ‘bioactive bearded dragon substrate‘ over other options. But, for artificial plants for bearded dragons, go with the expert-recommended bearded dragon substrate mix that can be DIY or a commercial option like eco earth for bearded dragons.

If you’re keeping a bearded dragon on the sand, there’s a risk of impaction & GI tract issues. Even though many suggest play sand or calcium sand for bearded dragon s, the impaction risk will always be there. If you find your bearded dragon bloated, monitor them for a few hours to ensure it defecates. If it looks like bearded dragon struggling to poop, give them a warm bath & massage with the right technique as mentioned in “How To Massage A Bearded Dragon To Poop“.

For the best result, the right ratio of topsoil and play sand for bearded dragons works well. Any sand, including vita sand, reptile sand, calcium sand, or children play sand, should be used with cations after proper research. An alternative is a sand mat for bearded dragons, but don’t use it if you mind cleaning sand mat every week.

Keep Beardies Well-Hydrated

At 20% humidity level, bearded dragons are likely to become dehydrated very soon. Additionally, dehydration can cause many health issues if not addressed promptly. I suggest always including a small water bowl inside the bearded dragon enclosure. You can place the water bowl centrally or on the cooler side of the tank. Placing the water bowl on the warmer side of the tank or beneath the UVB lamp will raise the humidity level because of evaporation.

Since the humidity level is 20%, I don’t think you would mind putting the water bowl on the hottest side of your bearded dragons’ tank for the best result. However, if your bearded dragon is used to living in a 20% humidity range, place the water bowl at the center of the tank.

However, RH requirement varies from species to species.

When you notice a bearded dragon acting lethargic, it could also indicate low RH & dehydration. Note that dehydration in bearded dragons can be fatal if it persists. Always watch out for signs of dehydration in bearded dragons, especially in their poop which include:

Note that these symptoms may also result from any other underlying disease! So, refer to the specialized vet for bearded dragons or check this bearded dragon poop chart!

Other signs include:

Wrinkly Skin
Loss of Appetite
Dehydrated Bearded Dragon Eyes (Sunken Eyes)
Or, Your Bearded Dragon Seems Weak And Lethargic
And lastly, your bearded dragon hasn’t pooped in a week

Feed Moisture Food

As I told you in the above section, you must hydrate your bearded dragon. If your bearded dragon is not drinking water directly from the bowl, you can consider offering them water-rich food. At 20 humidity, moisture-rich foods become a priority for both of you.

Whenever my bearded dragon tanks’ temperature & humidity levels drop, I provide plenty of safe & juicy bugs for bearded dragons. Also, offere moisture-rich greens that bearded dragons can eat.

Some of the moisture-rich bugs & worms for bearded dragons are:

Goliath Worms: 85% Moisture
Silkworms: 82.7% Moisture
Dubia Roaches: 71.5% Moisture
HornWorms: 71.5% Moisture
Mealworms: 61.9% Moisture
Butterworms: 60.2% Moisture
Superworms: 57.9% Moisture

Watch Out For Skin Conditions

When you keep your bearded dragon at the wrong humidity level, the Moisture in the air gets incorrect, making your pet susceptible to developing Dysecdysis. Dysecdysis disease is common in many reptiles like bearded dragons, whose skin fails to shed full and falls off properly.

Unfortunately, this stuck skin is not only itchy or uncomfortable for your pet but can even turn painful due to loss of blood circulation. This is why I have suggested that you keep an eye on your pet’s skin condition and watch out for the shedding season. If your bearded dragon is living at a 20% humidity level and exhibiting signs of itchiness or discomfort, raise it or give them a quick bath.

Mist The Tank & Add Live Plants

Another great way to properly provide proper hydration, assist with shedding, and raise the humidity level in any enclosure is by properly misting the tank. It would be best if you frequently misted the beardies’ tank & its decoration by spraying dechlorinated water. It’s important to use only purified or dechlorinated water. It’ll add extra Moisture inside the enclosure, lifting the humidity level too.

Not only this, you can also consider adding some live plants, which again increase the moisture content in your pet’s enclosure. Live plants are best at keeping the humidity level constant through transpiration when set up right. A few of the best safe plants for bearded dragons that you can consider include:

Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
Prickly Pear Cacti & Bolivian Wandering Jew (a few of the most popular succulents for bearded dragons’ tank)
If you like blooms, mulberry, dandelions & violets are some of the safe flowers for bearded dragons.
Also, the best herbs for bearded dragons include cilantro, dill, thyme, calendula, arugula, etc.

Avoid misting during the evening, as it can cause bearded dragon humidity too high at night. Sometimes, it also results in bearded dragon humidity 70 at night. Also, adding & placing the live plants beneath heating elements causes humidity too high in bearded dragon tank.

How Much Humidity Do Bearded Dragons Need?

According to the RSPCA, 30-40% humidity level is ideal for bearded dragons in any enclosure & condition. Deviations may be noticed temporarily during seasonal changes, but there is nothing to worry about. Make sure to measure the humidity range using the right humidity gauge. Watch out for night humidity for bearded dragons, too.

Is 10% Humidity Bad For Bearded Dragons?

Yes. 10% humidity is extremely bad for bearded dragons because it can cause dehydration, allergies, skin problems, etc. Also, 10% humidity may result in Dysecdysis, a condition of stuck skin during shedding, which can be painful due to circulation loss. Mist your bearded dragon tank frequently, and place the water bowl on the tank’s hotter side to raise the humidity level. Or you can use a humidifier, too.

What Is Too Low Humidity For a Bearded Dragon?

Most experts say humidity below 20% is too low for a bearded dragon. However, 20% can be acceptable for certain periods or situations like seasonal changes or shifting. 30% humidity is the lowest range I choose for my bearded dragons, whereas 45% is the max.

My Final Thoughts With Summary

As long as you keep your bearded dragon well hydrated, on regular baths, as well as a moisture-rich diet regime, including the best veggies for bearded dragons, a 20% humidity level is acceptable. In the shedding season, you might have to raise the humidity level or try the above-mentioned things to assist with shedding. After reading this article, I hope you have found all the information regarding the question, ‘Is 20 humidity too low for a bearded dragon?’.

If you find this article helpful, fun, & informative to read, please share this content with other good people who own bearded dragons and care for them. Each & every pet, including bearded dragons, deserves to be loved and cared for by a responsible, well-informed person. Your one share can help many learn whether 20 humidity is ideal for bearded dragons or help save many bearded dragons from a painful condition called Dysecdysis.

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