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Tree Frogs

Tree Frogs Care

includes green, white's and red-eye tree frogs

Facts | Diet | Feeding | Housing | Normal Behavior | Habitat Maintenance | Grooming | Health | Supplies

tree frog

Tree Frogs thrive in groups of the same species, and they have a friendly nature. They love to climb, and become active and vocal and dusk.

Tree Frog Facts

Average Adult Size 1.5 to 5 inches long, depending on species
Average Life Span 8 to 10+ years with proper care, depending on species
Diet insectivore

Will reach adult size in 6-18 months, depending on species and under ideal conditions; upgrade habitat size as your amphibian grows.

Diet

A well-balanced tree frog diet consists of:

  • A variety of insects, including gut-loaded (recently fed) crickets and mealworms.

What Do Tree Frogs Eat

Things to remember when feeding your tree frog:

  • Fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should be available at all times.
  • Feed juveniles daily, adults every other day.
  • Sprinkle food with calcium supplement daily and a multivitamin supplement once or twice a week.

Housing

  • Size - appropriate size and shape habitat to accommodate normal behavior and exercise; glass habitat with a tight-fitting screen lid.
  • Habitat - should be heavily planted, with large driftwood or other types of branches and artificial, non-edible plants; option to cover the back wall with a dark green material, or use large suction cups to attach slabs of cork bark to the back wall. Maintain 70-90% humidity by misting as needed every day.
  • Substrate - use a mulch-type such as coconut fiber, dampened sphagnum moss or bark; avoid gravel and artificial turf (too harsh for skin).
  • Temperature – should be 68°F at night; depending on species, 75-80°F or 85-88°F during the day.
  • Lighting – fluorescent lighting for 10-12 hours a day is required. An incandescent day bulb can be used for basking area during daylight hours if not using a ceramic heater; low level UVB lighting is recommended, but provide hiding places to hide from light as needed.
  • Can house same species Frogs together but do not house different amphibian species together

Normal Behavior

  • Nocturnal (active at night).
  • Love to climb.
  • Females are usually larger than males.

Habitat Maintenance

  • Thoroughly clean the habitat at least once a week: place Frog in a secure habitat; scrub the tank and furnishings; rinse thoroughly with hot water; dry the tank and furnishings completely and add clean substrate.

Grooming & Hygiene

  • Don't handle unless necessary; always wear latex gloves when handling your Frog; residue or oil on your skin can harm amphibians; all amphibians secrete toxins. Do not allow Frog's secretions to contact eyes, mouth, or open wounds. Don't be surprised to see your Frog eating his shed skin.

Health

signs of a healthy animal

  • Active and alert
  • Clear eyes
  • Healthy skin
  • Eats regularly and maintains weight

Red Flags

  • lethargy
  • skin lesions
  • loss of appetite
  • distressed breathing
  • weight loss
  • weak leg movements
  • bloated abdomen

Common Health Issues

Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action
Health Issue Chemical intoxication Symptoms or Causes Caused by exposure to soap, detergent, pesticides, etc. Suggested Action Consult your exotic animal veterinarian and protect your amphibian from exposure.
Health Issue Intestinal obstruction Symptoms or Causes Caused by swallowing gravel or by eating too many hard-shelled insects. Suggested Action Consult with your exotic animal veterinarian; surgery may be required.
Health Issue Nutritional deficiencies Symptoms or Causes Weak hind legs, lethargy, lighter or darker skin color. Suggested Action Consult your exotic animal veterinarian and ensure varied diet; use vitamin and mineral supplements.
Health Issue Skin problems Symptoms or Causes Abrasions, bacterial and fungal infections. Suggested Action Consult with your exotic animal veterinarian.

Shopping list for needed supplies:

Sources

Ask an associate about Petco's selection of books on tree frogs and the variety of Petco Brand products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All Petco Brand products carry a 100% money-back guarantee.

Because all Frogs are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as Salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your Frog and/or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of diseases.

Pregnant women, children under the age of 5 and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing and/or caring for a Frog and should consider not having a Frog as a pet.

Go to the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about Frogs and disease.

This care sheet can cover the needs of other species.

Note: The information in this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate.

Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian.

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