Diet
The main diet for tree frogs is
crickets and other arthropods. A varied diet is good, you can use fruit flies,
mealworms and other
insects. Some of the giant species may eat baby rodents. On average they will eat 3 - 5 crickets every other day. Some frogs will eat more than others, you need to observe your frog when it is eating so you are sure your frog gets enough to eat. Then you will know an average feeding quantity. They should look plump - no visible bones!
Housing
When housing tree frogs, a tall aquarium is best. Tree frogs are mainly arboreal, which means they live in the tree tops and not on the ground. I would recommend 3 frogs for a 10 - 15 gallon
tank. This does not limit you to small tanks, your frogs will be happiest with the largest enclosure possible. Some species require more space, Giant or gliding frogs require 20 - 30 gallons each!
Substrate: The best substrate for tree frogs is
Jungle Mix or
Eco-Earth. These soils retain humidity the best of any substrate we have to offer. You can also add
moss or a moss cloth to help raise the humidity.
Cage Design: The interior of your cage should have
branches and live plants inside. They love to climb so the more stuff they have to climb, the happier they will be. Live plants can grow in their substrate. Live plants will actually help with the quality of the air in the tank. For tank specialties, you can research your frogs native land to create a more natural habitat for your beloved frogs.
Heat & Lighting
A full spectrum fluorescent bulb with 2% UVB is required (
Reptisun 2.0.). 3% is acceptable and
5% UVB is necessary if lizards are also in the enclosure. These bulbs are needed so the frogs can properly utilize the vitamins and minerals that their food contains. Some added heat may be required. The average temperature for tree frogs is a daytime temp between 70° - 82° F. Some species may like it a little warmer or cooler, you should always know your frog's desired temperature upon purchasing them. At night the temp should drop about 10° F. To raise tank temperature, use a
heat bulb or an
under the tank heater. This creates a drier, less humid habitat. You can compensate for this by
spritzing the tank down with water once or twice daily.
Humidity: Tree frogs are mainly from rainforests and other humid areas, this means they require a relatively high humidity, 50% or higher. Some frogs require less humidity. This is another thing you should know about your frog upon purchasing.
Handling
Tree frogs and amphibians in general should only be handled when absolutely necessary. Handling them damages their mucous membrane, which is a vital part of the frog’s immune system. If you need to get them out, be sure to wash your hands before and after handling. Amphibians have a toxin in their skin which can cause irritation, swelling or other problems for human handlers. Their toxin is their protection. Tree frogs, like other amphibians, have highly porous skin. Any lotion, soap or salt from your body goes into their skin and causes problems.
Helpful Hints
A tree frog’s water source needs to be dechlorinated by using an additive called Genesis. Chlorine in the water is dangerous for your amphibians.
You need to use
fluorescent bulbs, which put off light without emitting heat and will not dry out your frogs. Using a bright heat bulb may cause your amphibians to dry out. Therefore, we recommend
using a black or red bulb instead of a bright bulb.
We strive to help our customers keep their pets healthy, and we recommend purchasing a book about your particular pet. We also recommend regular vet checkups as most people do for dogs and cats.
If your frog begins showing any signs of illness, it is critical for it to receive prompt treatment. As with most animals, frogs will hide their illness until it is in an advanced stage. If you decide to keep more than one frog together in a tank, remember there is always a chance that they may not get along and one frog may injure or even eat the other. If you decide to keep different types of frogs together, it is important to know that some frogs may be intolerant of the others’ toxins. It is recommended that you have a filtered water area when keeping different frogs together, as frogs sometimes release their toxins when they get in the water. When another frog enters, exposure to the toxin-laced water may kill one or both frogs.
It is critical to keep all animals, especially frogs, out of areas that may harbor dangerous fumes. Remember that frogs absorb everything through their skin.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Reptile Room at 717-299-5691 ext. 1246.
