What Types of Pet Frogs are Suitable for Beginners?

People’s perspective towards exotic pets has changed greatly in recent years and frogs are becoming more popular pets day by day. However, frogs are not for everyone because they have special needs that must be diligently taken care of to keep it healthy and fit. You must be prepared to be responsible for its happiness and wellbeing. Many frog owners just get excited about the prospect of a frog as a pet and neglect to do the proper research required beforehand to ensure that they can handle it. Sadly, many frogs are abandoned because their owners got tired of them or failed to realize what its specific needs were. Here is a simple guide to help you decide what kind of frog you would like to bring home of you are a beginner.

White's Tree Frog

White’s tree frog is a good option because of their amusing attitude and interesting personalities. They do not object to being handled therefore they can make good pets for children as well. However, they are quite stationary most of the time so the owner might lose patience and get bored.

Oriental Firebellied toad

The Oriental Firebellied toad has long been a favorite of frog lovers because it does not grow too big as an adult and is relatively easy to keep. Its diet mostly consists of crickets so it is not as potentially disgusting as that of some larger species which many find undesirable. Vitamin supplements are essential for such a diet to complete its nutritional requirements in a domestic habitat.

African Dwarf frogs

African Dwarf frogs are easy to handle obviously due to their smaller size as their name indicates. As it originates from Africa it has to be kept at a certain optimum temperature otherwise it will suffer. This is easily true for those residing in very cold climates. They are not that difficult to care for and make good pets for beginners.

Which Species Should Beginners Avoid?

There are a number of poisonous frog species kept by fog lovers who delight in their cool natures. However, these are not a good choice for first timers because obviously their venom is deadly to humans even though they may stop producing it overtime. They are also very fragile and need expert handling and care to thrive. Before brining a frog home, you must research to understand its needs and especially its adult size. Many frog owners abandon their frogs because they did not realize they would grow to be such large adults. An example is the Pixie frog whose name is misunderstood as an indication of their natural adult size seeing as they are in reality juvenile African Bullfrogs. Many large species eat mice and other small mammals so you must be aware of all its feeding and living habits before purchase.

How to Care for Your Pet Frog?

Frogs have gained popularity as pets especially for children in recent years. They are actually a pretty good option for many types of people. Frogs come in an unbelievable variety of species, colors and sizes. This means that there are so many to choose from depending on your own preferences and limitations. Each species has its own set of traits and requirements that must be taken good care of.

Hygiene

Frogs are amphibians so their skin naturally has a slime coating over it to prevent over absorption of water as the love to live in both water and on land. However, experts advise not to have any kind of absorbed substance on your skin when you come into contact with your pet frog. This is because there are several chemicals we encounter in our daily products that pose no threat to us but can be deadly to the small amphibian. Improperly cleaned living spaces are the number one source of illness for frogs so cleanse their terrariums thoroughly. Also wash your hands before you touch your frog and wash them properly after cleaning out their living space.

Feeding habits

Frogs are basically carnivores and feed on live prey so you can purchase them from quality US pet stores or online comparison shopping at places like www.lovemypets.com that sell quality amphibian supplies. A frog’s regular diet comprises of worms and insects like crickets, moths and caterpillars. Some prefer to dine on other frogs, fish or mice. These can be provided to them frozen from pet food suppliers. This source has no danger of parasite infestation due to the below zero temperature. Fresh water must be provided daily and checked for cleanliness.

Living space

Terrariums can be easily set up in a nice shady corner of the house away from direct sunlight. They also need a very clean atmosphere with no pollutants in the air from household aerosols. Plenty of nice gravel and other substrates and decorations can help recreate their natural habitat which they will thoroughly enjoy. Things like misters and miniature waterfalls are great addition to a frog’s home. You can put plants both fake and real and rocks etc to give your pet frog something to rest on and hide behind. Frogs also require artificial lighting and may require UVB light as well.  

Environmental conditions

Frogs must be kept in the optimum conditions that reflect on their preferences according to their particular species. The right level of moisture must e replicated with humidifying equipment. Special thermometers can be attached to terrariums to monitor the temperature to ensure it is set perfectly. Any heating equipment must be carefully chosen according to the natural habitat.  

Exercise

Frogs do sit still for long periods but when they wish to hop around their home must provide adequate space. Purchase a terrarium based on how big a mature frog of that particular species will grow. This will provide it ample space to move about and save you money in the future.