Are you ready to have frogs as pets? With over 5,000 frog species, one could be the right match for you. Did you know the incredible facts about this amphibian that your high school biology teacher did not teach you?
- Frogs from Indonesia, under its scientific name Barbourula kalimantanensis, has no lungs. But how do they breathe? Answer: They breathe through their skin.
- Glass frogs have a unique feature: They have translucent skin, so their bones and muscles are visible.
- Tomato frogs, true to their names, are round in shape and resemble a tomato. However, this type of frog can release a milky poison through its skin.
- Wood frogs are the best choice if you live in a colder climate. These frogs can naturally adapt in colder temperatures as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
What frogs are the best pets?
Before rushing out to purchase a pet frog, it is best to do your own research on the best frog breeds for beginners. Here are some highly recommended options for beginners:
- African dwarf frog
Photo Credit: wikipedia
This type of frog does not require a complete aquatic environment as well as consistent live food. An African dwarf dog may be one of the best choices as they are relatively small and easy to tend for.
- Pacman frog
Photo Credit: Flickr
As terrestrial frogs, Pacman frogs are one of the easiest pets to rear. In addition to that, they are happy to live a sedentary life, which means they do not require a larger space for their environment. However, this might not be the ideal pet for kids who like active ones.
- White’s tree frog
Photo Credit: tails and scales
White’s tree frogs as pets are rather active and can tolerate being handled compared to other breeds. As a general guide, start with simple breeds. Avoid getting poisonous frogs as they tend to have specific and complicated care needs than the others. Experts also discouraged beginners from keeping wild frog as pets due to its unknown frog species. Different types of species also have different requirements based on their habitat, food, and temperature.
Further, if you are ready to have wild frogs, try to note the area where you picked it up. It is best to try to mimic its new home to its original environment.
Feeding frogs as pets
Rearing frogs is no different from welcoming cats and dogs in the family. It requires a few points of considerations before plunging into pet ownership. A frog may appear in small size, but unlike fish as pets, it cannot survive when left alone and unattended for days.
Technically, frogs require regular feeding. Feeding cannot be as easy as getting bulks of packages from a local pet store. There are some that prefer feeding on live bugs. Frog species are usually happy to feed on crickets and worms such as night crawlers and red wigglers. In addition to that, larger frogs need to feed on larger species of food as well, including mice and fish species. In this case, it is best to keep their tanks clean at all times so as to prevent any diseases.
Pet frog habitat
They can thrive well in different environments, most especially when they are tended with dutiful care and attention. It is best to ask advice from the breeder or seller on what is the best tank set-up for the said frog. It can either be of the following:
Photo Credit: pinterest
Arboreal
This is the ideal environment for tree frogs or frog species living along trees. An arboreal environment is designed with certain areas where it allows frogs to climb and hide.
Photo Credit: reddit
The same set-up as keeping fish as pets would be an ideal environment for aquatic frogs. It requires a filtration system to keep it clean from the frogs’ shedded skin.
Photo Credit: RedditThis is considered to be the easiest environment set-up of all. A terrestrial environment provides a dry substrate and some water in a water bowl, which should be kept clean and full at all times.
Photo Credit: pinterestThis environment is arranged with a dry substrate as well as a considerable amount of water in the tank. Half-and-half tank accommodates frogs in both personalities.
Further, housing your frog involves getting the right substrate materials that would be easy to clean. This refers to the materials used to fill the bottom of the tank, which can either be of the following:
- Gravel stones
- Sand
- Soil
- Pine or cedar shavings
- Pine bark
Can you keep a frog as a pet? How easy would it be? There are some countries that require a licence on keeping frogs as pets. For example, in New Zealand, there are only a number of frog breeds that are acceptable. They do not accept keeping native frogs, except for native frog specialists with permits. Find a way to contact your local government office for further details on whether there is a need for a licence and its requirements in your area.
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