How to control your Bearded Dragon’s heat when it’s hot weather

How to reduce the humidity level in your Bearded Dragon’s vivarium

Ideal humidity is around 30–40% and naturally rises at night. Humidity only becomes a problem when airflow is poor, which can lead to respiratory infections and bacteria build-up. Pete says to remember “Humidity will only ever be as low as it is in your home. Tackle the cause, not just the setup.” To reduce humidity:

• Focus on ventilation
• Use fans to improve airflow
• Don’t panic if humidity spikes at night

Bearded Dragon overheating symptoms

In hot conditions, be aware of signs like lethargy and loss of appetite. If your dragon isn’t eating or is acting strangely:

• Visit an exotic vet to monitor weight and health
• Watch for shelter-seeking behaviour (hiding, staying in the cool end)

Offer hydration through:

• Misting
• Water bowls
• Moist hides
• Baths (only if your dragon drinks the water)

“They do not absorb water through their vent or skin—this is a myth.”

Basking should continue (in short bursts) and dragons should bask after lights on, then move around and return for short basking periods throughout the day.

Extended basking often signals poor setup conditions. If they’re basking all day, check:

• Heat gradient
• UVB quality

Is it normal for Bearded Dragons to sleep all day in summer?

It’s not a good thing if your Bearded Dragon is sleeping all day, and the same reasons as above are the main cause – heat and UVB issues.

As mentioned above, you know your dragons behaviour. If there are any behavioural changes that are out of character please don’t hesitate to visit your exotic vet.

When it comes to brumation, this isn’t as common for reptiles kept as pets. Signs of brumation are also signs of other underlying health conditions.

When it comes to brumation, this isn’t as common for reptiles kept as pets. Signs of brumation are also signs of other underlying health conditions. Lethargy, laziness and loss of appetite, of course can be due to the weather. But can also be linked to other illness such as a parasite burden, Metabolic Bone Disease, Atadenovirus and so on.

So for peace of mind, and of course your dragons benefit, do what you must.

Taking Bearded Dragons outside

This is a great thing for your dragon, but you must take precautions.

If you have never taken your dragon out for some natural UVB benefit, ease them into this. Don’t go out and keep them out for an extended period of time.

With any time outside, use the safety of a playpen. These are easily obtained at pet shops, supermarkets or various other retailers. I prefer the canvas/mesh type.

Please always offer a filled water bowl in the pen. Also offer shade and shelter so they can get away from that powerful UVB if they choose, and feel safe and secure.

Don’t use harnesses. These are not suitable for many reasons, the main reason being, a leash or harness should only be used with animals you have some verbal control over., like a dog.

With a dragon, you do not have such control, and if they get startled, they will run. A harness can and will cause broken or dislocated limbs, or worse, death. I’ve seen all of these in the past. They really are not a safe or secure option for such tasks.

How long can Bearded Dragons be outside and in the sun?

At first Bearded Dragons can be outside and in the sun for around 5 to 10 minutes a day for a week or so. You can slowly increase the time span if there are no signs of stress such as black beard, running or trying to get away.

The exposure to the natural UVB will be highly beneficial to your dragon. However, even when your dragon is acclimatised to it, 30 mins to 1 hour is more than enough exposure.

You must remember, it’s a big scary world outside. New sights, new smells, and that intense UV exposure, which can all stress out a dragon.

If your dragon shows signs of stress, or tries to get away, hide, etc take them back indoors to the safety of their own established territory (their vivarium). Don’t prolong their stress, as stress = illness.