Bearded dragons come from arid and semi-arid parts of Australia, but that does not mean their enclosure should be bone-dry. A practical target is an average enclosure humidity of about 30% to 60%, measured on the cooler side of the habitat.
Is high humidity bad for a bearded dragon?
Constantly wet conditions are not appropriate, but brief humidity increases from nighttime changes, watering plants, or weather are normal. The bigger goal is to avoid an enclosure that stays damp while still preventing excessively dry conditions.
Where should I measure humidity?
Place a digital hygrometer on the cool side of the enclosure. Humidity will often read lower near the basking area because warmer air is drier.
What if my bearded dragon enclosure is too dry?
Check that a shallow water dish is available, greens are being offered appropriately, and the enclosure is not being overheated. Avoid soaking the substrate just to raise humidity.
What if humidity is too high?
Improve ventilation, check for wet substrate, and make sure the enclosure is not staying damp for long periods. Persistent respiratory symptoms, unusual breathing, or lethargy should be discussed with a reptile-savvy veterinarian.
For the rest of the setup, see What Do I Need for a Bearded Dragon Setup? or browse Bearded Dragon Supplies.