Pet Punter

Posts Tagged ‘frog’

There are number of tree frogs available, and it is important to determine where they originate from, as not all are of tropical origin. The grey tree frog is a species found in the United States, and this needs slightly color and less humid conditions than its tropical cousins.

The mottled grey coloration varies between individuals, with orange areas usually apparent on the thighs and a small cream-colored area below the eyes. A tall aquarium set-up, incorporating cork bark as well as stout plants for climbing purposes, will be needed for these frogs on the whole. It will require identical care.

The same type of basic equipment used for reptiles can be useful for amphibians as well. If possible, however, it is better to use acrylic containers rather than those made of glass or other materials because these are easier to move and clean. In some cases, though, especially with tree frogs, you may have little choice because these enclosures may have to be specially constructed, using sheets of glass stuck together with an aquarium sealant. Most herptile shops can offer this type of service.

The sensitive nature of the skin of these creatures, coupled with the fact that they generally require much lower temperature than reptiles. Therefore, the spotlights in their quarters will not be required. Instead, heat pads are used to a much greater extent for frogs and toads, even in the case of aquatic species. It is not a good idea to use a standard aquarium heaterstat, which could burn the amphibian’s sensitive skin, while the relative low water level in the vivarium means that sitting in the unit would also create problems, as it has to be kept submerged.

 A heat pad is more versatile, serving to warm both the water and the air, operating under thermostatic control. Both frogs and toads are quite secretive creatures by nature and they should not be exposed to unnecessarily bright lightning. In fact, there have been suggestions that protracted exposure to ultraviolet light may be harmful to them, while tungsten bulbs will emit a relatively large amount of heat, and this too can be damaging.

Frogs and toads generally require relatively little care, although it is important to change the water in their quarters regularly. Use a water conditioner to remove the chlorine-based chemicals present in fresh up water, as these might be harmful to the amphibians. In the case of aquatic species especially, be sure that the temperature of the new water is similar to that of the water removed from the tank, using an aquatic thermometer for this purpose. There is no need to remove all the water under these circumstances because of the presence of the under gravel filter. Instead take out about one quarter of the total volume.

Every month or so, it will be a good idea to replace the substrate in the quarters of the more terrestrial species and, in order to do this, you will need to catch the vivarium occupants. As a result, it is worthwhile keeping the plastic containers in which you brought your pet’s home, as these will make useful, escape-proof, temporary accommodation while you clean their quarters. Wear disposable rubber gloves for this task, just in case you have any cuts on your hand, which could be irritated by the amphibians’ skin secretions. Generally, however it will not necessary handle them directly as you can shepherd them into plastic containers with your hands.