I went to the exotic vet yesterday to explain coughing, and get an overall checkup of my new beardie. My humidity is anywhere from 38%-43% throughout the day, and the vet told me it is not humid enough. She told me it should be 45%-60%, and I should put wet moss in corners of the tank and spray her hide often so that it’s wet. She said this is because in Australia they’re always on the move and encounter wet cold rocks often that are humid. I told her I would do it, but I don’t plan on following through with it because I don’t agree with her methods. Am I wrong? Does my dragon’s tank need to be more humid?
It sounds like you're pretty close to the low end of the range so I wouldn't worry about it too much. You could try some moss and see how she reacts to it and what it does to the humidity. You'll notice that the humidity will change with the seasons a bit too. Some people will put a humidifier in the room with the enclosure during the winter to help boost humidity if needed.
Check out a number of sources for your own edification & peace of mind. :wink: bearded dragon humidity
I keep my enclosure between 30-40% daytime, up to 55% nighttime.
That "always on the move and encounter wet cold rocks often that are humid" story is a new one on me. :? There could be something to it, but it sets off my BS detector. Was this a certified herp veterinarian?
In general, the avian and exotics vets can be pretty good with dragons. Especially compared to dog & cat specialists since their systems are more similar.
That's what one of our vet friends was before vets in this area got certified for various specialties.
Here's a list of Recognized Veterinary Specialties; there are some sub-categories as well.
(Note:Avian and Reptile & Amphibian are now separate specialties. I don't see zoological on that list, but I know there is a certification for it.