Tree frogs, dart frogs, narrow-mouth frogs, bullfrogs, and horned frogs are among the many varieties of frogs sold as pets. Captive breeding has resulted in a wider range of colours and patterns, giving pet owners more options.

Although all frogs have similar needs, they come from different continents, elevations, and environments. This sheet covers the basics of frog care, but you should explore the needs of your selected species to learn more about how to properly care for your pet.

Tanks

Most frogs may be kept in a terrarium of 10 to 20 gallons. The number of frogs, as well as their behaviour and habits, will determine the enclosure’s shape and size. To keep room for structures or live plants, frog tanks should be relatively tall. Bullfrogs and Pacman frogs, for example, are ground dwellers who require horizontal room.

The cover of a frog terrarium should be safe and let for some ventilation while keeping the tank moist. The right lid will be determined by the location of the enclosure and the average humidity level in your home. Tropical rain forest frogs (such as dart frogs) require humidity levels of 70-100 percent and little ventilation. Frogs from Australia prefer less humid surroundings.

Habitat

The decor of your frog’s home should be designed to reflect its natural surroundings. Tree frogs thrive on climbing branches and live or artificial plants. Provide hiding spots and burrowing substrate for ground-dwelling creatures.

Enclosures for frogs should be damp but not wet. In places with low humidity, regular spraying with non-chlorinated water may be required. Find out what your species need in terms of humidity. A hygrometer is a low-cost device that can be used to monitor humidity levels in an enclosure.

Food and water

Insects make up the majority of most confined frog species’ diets. Crickets, fruit flies, flightless, insect larvae (mealworms, waxworms), roaches, and grasshoppers are all good choices. There are both live and commercially prepared diets available. Small mice can be fed to larger species like horned frogs or bullfrogs on occasion.

In the enclosure, keep a small water dish filled with non-chlorinated fresh water. As needed, clean the dish, and change the water on a regular basis.

Temperature

A daytime temperature of 75°F to 85°F is ideal for most frogs, but night-time temps should be above 68°F. Much of the year, normal household temperatures will suffice. In the winter, though, an extra heat source may be required (low to medium wattage incandescent bulb; under tank mat heater).

Health and hygiene

Bacterial and fungal illnesses can affect frogs. Diseases are frequently linked to poor water quality or other issues in the frog’s confinement. The greatest strategy to preventing illness and lowering the risk of your frog transferring disease to humans is good sanitation, care, and limited handling.

Children under the age of five should not be exposed to amphibians. Also, those with weakened immune systems, and the elderly should avoid handling or touching amphibians, reptiles, or their habitats because Salmonella germs can cause serious disease and hospitalization.