Care for Your Frog

Frogs are not low-maintenance pets. They require careful care to remain healthy.

Steps

  1. Keep your frog in an aquarium that is either all water of part aquatic and part land. The type of aquarium you need depends on your breed of frog. When you purchase your frog, ask if it is completely aquatic or not.
  2. Consult with the retailer to determine what size tank your breed of frog requires. Small frogs may need only a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} tank while large frogs may need {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
  3. Add water and plants to your tank. Consult with the store you buy the frog from as to what types of plants your breed of frog will be most comfortable with. Avoid using gravel on the bottom of your tank, as some frogs will eat this and become sick.
  4. Cover your aquarium tightly so frogs cannot escape, but make sure it is well ventilated. A screen cover works best.
  5. Place your aquarium out of direct sun, drafts or extreme temperatures.
  6. Maintain the recommended temperature for your frog using heat lamps and water heaters. Make sure you find out what temperature your frog will be most comfortable in. This may range from room temperature to 80 degrees.
  7. Make sure you give your frog water that has been dechlorinated. Change water that is dirty, but try not to change relatively clean water too often as this may shock the frog. Changing a portion of the water every three or four days is sufficient.
  8. Feed your frog crickets or other food recommended by the retailer, such as mealworms, insects and larvae. Large frogs may need baby mice. Most frogs like food that moves. Food can be supplemented with powdered vitamins. The frog should eat all it needs in about 15 minutes. Do not overfeed.
  9. Watch your frogs for signs of illness. Red leg disease is common. The frog's underside and legs turn red. Contact your vet at any signs of illness.
  10. Recognize that frogs do molt, so do not take this as a sign of illness. Frogs also hibernate. The frog may appear to be very still and may attempt to conceal itself. Do not disturb your frog when it is hibernating. If it is breathing, it is okay.
  11. Talk to your vet or the person you purchase the frog from to get an idea as to what kind of behavior is normal for your frog. If your frog suddenly behaves differently, contact your vet.

Tips

  • Keep frogs of different breeds apart, as they could eat each other. When you bring a new frog home, you should keep it separate from the others for about a week, to make sure it is not ill.
  • Be aware that, in general, it is not a good idea to handle your frogs, even if you wear gloves. They can jump away and injure themselves, or you can injure them when you try to restrain them.
  • Clean the tank out once a week or as required.
  • When cleaning decor from your tank, it is good to use an (possibly unused) toothbrush. This will help remove dirt or algae.
  • Avoid using gravel in your frogs tanks. Frog sometimes eat the gravel, and fall ill.
  • For some frog breeds it is important to have a heat lamp.

Warnings

  • Know that you should never touch your frog with your bare hands if you can avoid it. Salt released by your skin can be harmful to frogs. Wash your hands before and after caring for frogs.
  • Never use any type of cleaner in your aquarium as it can be toxic to frogs. Wash everything well with water. Use Bactine if you must sanitize it.
  • Contact your vet if your frog develops cuts, growths on the skin or other abnormalities. You probably can treat many of these conditions yourself, but you should always consult a vet to learn the proper treatment.

Things You'll Need

  • Water Dechlorinating Solution
  • A Frog
  • Aquarium Heaters
  • Aquarium Lights
  • Aquarium Plants
  • Aquarium Screen Covers
  • Aquarium Water Test Kits
  • Aquariums
  • Powdered Vitamins
  • Crickets

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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