Depending on what part of the world you live in, Frogs are considered good or bad luck according to some myths. With the proper care, Frogs can live anywhere from 4-15 years in captivity. While they don't require the same type of heating and lighting equipment as other reptiles, they are sensitive creatures. Household cleaners, sprays and the like should not be used near them.
They type of tank and equipment depends on your choice of Frog. Some are aquatic, some live in trees and some in both. Frogs also eat a variety of live insects, mostly crickets. When considering a Frog as a pet, this is something to think about.
Alternatively, you can create a habitat in your back yard with a water feature and plants that will encourage insects. If a Frog has a pleasant, inviting place to stay, it won't stray.
As with all pets, before purchasing, do a lot of research so you will know what to expect with your pet Frog.
Frog species:
African Dwarf Clawed Frogs
African dwarf clawed frogs are great beginner pets since they are fairly low maintenance.
African dwarf clawed frogs reach an adult size of about 1 - 1.5 inches long and are usually a light brownish gray color with darker spots. They can be kept in fairly small shallow tanks. (Frogs need to be able to reach the surface to breathe, so a deep tank won't work.) Dwarf frogs are peaceful so you can keep a few in the same tank. The bottom of the tank should be covered with sand or smooth gravel. The temperature of the water should not drop below 70 degrees. A filter is not necessary and could in fact be harmful.
Dwarf frogs like to hide so you should fill the tank with decorations such as live or silk plants and other aquarium decorations. Dwarf Frogs have very delicate skin so the decorations should all be smooth. Also because of their delicate skin, you should not use soap to clean the tank.
Dwarf frogs swallow their food whole. Foods appropriate for frogs are bloodworms, tubifex worms, daphnia, brine shrimp, blackworms, or chopped earthworms. They will only eat food which sinks to the bottom of the tank so you can't give them flakes. You can purchase specially formulated pelleted food containing all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Dwarf frogs should not be taken out of their tanks. This is unsafe for them and also not good for the handler since frogs can carry Salmonella.
American Green Tree Frog
The American Green Tree Frog is a good pet for a beginner. Although susceptible to stress, it is a hardy reptile. As the name suggests, this frog is native to the United States, especially the southeastern region. The American Green Tree Frog is the state amphibian of both Georgia and Louisiana.
Some unscrupulous businesspeople sell frogs which have been captured from the wild during the frogs' breeding season. This is harmful to the frogs themselves and leads to the depletion of the species in the wild. Purchase only frogs which have been bred in captivity.
Frogs often reach pet stores in poor health as a result of the stress of the shipping process. Look for a frog with bright eyes and a green color. Stay away from frogs with brown spots, dull skin, or dry skin.
An American Green Tree Frog needs an aquarium of at least 10 gallons. These frogs are arboreal, so they need a tall tank. The tank should be covered to prevent escape. It can be covered with wire or mesh.
This frog likes to climb and should be provided with plenty of branches and plants. If you bring wood from outdoors it must be pesticide free and treated to remove bacteria and bugs.
Since American Tree Frogs are nocturnal, a light in the tank is unnecessary. If you do choose to include a light make sure it is not too bright and not in use for more than a few hours a day.
The tank should contain a shallow dish of water. This frog is not a good swimmer so shallowness is extremely important. The tank should be misted daily to retain humidity.
American Green Tree Frogs eat insects, especially crickets. Before feeding insects to frogs, they should be "gut loaded," or fed nutritious foods. Expect your frog to eat more in the in the spring and summer than in the winter. Young frogs should eat daily but adult frogs may need to be fed only every other day.
Australian Green Tree Frog
The Australian Green Tree Frog, also known as the Green Tree Frog, White's Tree Frog or Dumpy Tree Frog is native to Australia and New Guinea. It has been introduced to New Zealand and the U.S.
The Green Tree Frog can grow to 4 inches or more long, larger than most Australian frogs. Lifespan in captivity is about 16-20 years. Color is usually olive to vivid green, but depending on the temperature and environment can range from brown to green. Some have small white spots on their backs and sides. Discs at the end of their webbed feet help the frogs grip when climbing. Eyes are gold with horizontal irises.
Green Tree Frogs enjoy living anywhere that is moist and cool and can even be found in home sinks, toilets and pipes where humidity is high. Their natual habitats are near still-water sources in trees, in swamps and cooler area grasslands.
Diet is mainly insects and spiders. But they will eat smaller frogs and sometimes small mammals as long as they fit in the frog's mouth. For small prey the fogs extend their sticky tongues. For larger prey they use their hands to foce the prey into their mouths. Be careful not to overfeed your pet frog as obesity can be a problem. Green Tree Frogs lay their eggs in water, usually 2,000 to 3,000 at a time. These frogs are resistant to disease.
They can be kept in aquariums, glass being the best material and covered on top with fiberglass mesh. A 3 foot aquarium can house 3-4 adult frogs. Temperature in the aquarium should be above 18 degrees centegrade and water temperature, 24-26 degrees centegrade. Lighting is with a UV light.
As pets, Green Tree Frogs are very docile and have a gentle nature. They are nocturnal and will feed at night.
Ornate Horned Frog
The Ornate Horned Frog is more commonly known as the Pacman frog because of its rounded body and huge mouth. This frog is native to South America and is terrestrial. It can't swim very well, and can even drown in its water bowl if it is deep enough.
The Ornate Horned Frog is a pretty big frog. It can reach 6-7 inches in length, with the males slightly smaller than the females. As a result, it has a very large appetite. It will eat anything that moves.
Although this frog is sometimes thought of as aggressive, it only bites when threatened.
A 10 gallon reptile aquarium is big enough for a Pacman frog. They don't need a bigger tank despite their size, because they are not very active. The tank should have a lid; these frogs are not likely to escape, but a lid will help control temperature and humidity. Pacman frogs should be kept singly since they will eat other tank mates.
Line the tank with paper or smooth rocks, leaf litter, moss and some plants (live or artificial) for the frog to hide in. These should be misted daily. A shallow water dish should be placed in the warmest part of the cage and surrounded with plants. The temperature should be kept around 82 F (28 C) during the day, dropping to around 78 F (25 C) at night. Regular room light is probably enough and additional light unnecessary. Keep the tank away from direct sunlight to avoid overheating.
Young frogs eat every 2-3 days, while adult frogs can usually eat less often. As the frog gets older, it can eat larger prey.
The Ornate Horned Frog has a lifespan of 5-7 years, so keep in mind when you adopt one that you are in for a long-term commitment.
