Frogs as pets

Before you get a frog

Research

It's very important to research specific frog species. Different frogs have vastly different needs for temperature, humidity, diet, and habitat.

Suitability

Consider carefully whether frogs are the right pet for your lifestyle. They require consistent care and aren't typically cuddly companions.

Legality and responsibility

Check local regulations on keeping frogs as pets. Frogs can live for many years, so you'll need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.

Froggy housing

Enclosure setups for different frog species

Frogs come in all shapes and sizes, and their enclosure needs vary greatly depending on their natural habitat. Here's a breakdown of some common enclosure setups for different frog types:

1. Arboreal Frogs (Tree Frogs)

These frogs spend most of their time climbing and perching. Their enclosures should be:

• Taller than wide: Aim for at least twice the height as the frog's length.
• Ample climbing opportunities: Provide branches, vines, cork bark, and other climbing structures.
• Half land, half water (optional): Some tree frogs utilize water features, but it's not always necessary.
• Live or artificial plants: Plants add enrichment and help maintain humidity.

2. Terrestrial Frogs

These frogs spend most of their time on the ground. Their enclosures should be:

• Longer than tall: Provide enough floor space for hopping and hiding.
• Substrate: Use moisture-retaining substrates like coconut fibre, reptile-bark, or bioactive setups.
• Shallow water dish: Offer a shallow water dish for soaking and hydration.
• Hiding spots: Provide hiding places like logs, cork bark, or leaf litter.

3. Semi-Aquatic Frogs (Aquatic Frogs)

These frogs spend a significant amount of time in water. Their enclosures should be:

• Half land, half water: Divide the enclosure with a land area and a water area of equal size.
• Amphibious plants: Include plants that grow in both water and land sections.
• Water depth: The water depth should allow the frog to fully submerge but also easily climb out onto land.
• Filtration: Use a filter suitable for the water volume to maintain water quality.

Size Requirements

Remember, bigger is usually better! As a general rule, the enclosure should be at least 3-5 times the length and width of an adult frog. For arboreal frogs, prioritize height over floor space.

Additional Considerations

• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent stagnant air and respiratory issues.
• Security: Make sure the enclosure has a secure lid to prevent escape.
• Lighting: Depending on the species, some frogs may require UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3. Research the specific needs of your frog.

Examples

• White's Tree Frog: This arboreal frog requires a tall enclosure with plenty of climbing structures and foliage.
• Pacman Frog: This terrestrial frog needs a spacious enclosure with a shallow water dish and ample hiding spots.
• African Clawed Frog: This fully aquatic frog requires a half land/half water enclosure with filtration for the water section.

By providing an enclosure that mimics their natural habitat, you can ensure your frog thrives in captivity.

Substrate

Froggy Footing: Different Substrate Options

The substrate, the material at the bottom of your frog's enclosure, plays a vital role in maintaining humidity, providing burrowing opportunities, and creating a natural look. Here's a breakdown of some popular substrate options:

1. Paper Towels

Pros: Easy to clean, disposable, inexpensive.

Cons: Not aesthetically pleasing, doesn't hold humidity well, can harbour mould if not changed frequently.

2. Bioactive Substrates

Pros: Creates a mini-ecosystem with live plants and isopods (tiny decomposers) that break down waste, reducing cleaning needs. Provides a more natural environment for burrowing frogs.

Cons: Requires research to set up properly, ongoing monitoring of the isopod population, may not be suitable for all frog species.

3. Natural Options

Coconut Fiber (Coir)

Pros: Excellent for holding humidity, readily available, relatively inexpensive, good burrowing material.

Cons: May require pre-washing to remove dust, can mould if not spot-cleaned regularly.

Cypress Mulch

Pros: Holds humidity well, natural wood aroma, good burrowing material.

Cons: Can be dusty, some varieties may contain harmful oils for frogs, and require monitoring for mould growth.

Live Moss (Sphagnum Moss):

Pros: Highly absorbent, creates a beautiful and natural environment, excellent for high humidity requirements.

Cons: Requires regular misting to stay moist, can be expensive, and may not be suitable for all frog species.

Choosing the Right Substrate

Consider your frog species: Research the natural habitat of your frog to choose a substrate that mimics it.

Humidity needs: High-humidity frogs benefit from coconut fibre, moss, or bioactive setups. Lower-humidity frogs might do well with paper towels or cypress mulch.

Cleaning preferences: Paper towels are easiest to clean, while bioactive setups require the least cleaning once established.

Aesthetics: For a natural look, consider coconut fibre, cypress mulch, or live moss.

Tips

• Regardless of the substrate, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Spot clean faeces and uneaten food promptly to maintain hygiene.
• If using a loose substrate, monitor your frog to ensure they aren't ingesting large amounts, which could lead to impaction.

By providing the right substrate, you can create a healthy and comfortable environment for your amphibian friend.

Further research

Here are a few pages to get started:

Frogs as pets

• The frog life cycle - Natinoal Geographic A renowned organization that invests in innovative leaders in science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.
• Pet frogs - Pets at Home
  Pet care business, helping owners through their pet care journey.
• About pet frogs - The Spruce Pets
  Practical, real-life tips and training advice to help you care for your pet.

About frogs

• Froglife
  A national wildlife conservation charity concerned with the conservation of the UK’s reptile and amphibian species and their associated habitats.
• Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC)
  A UK-based wildlife charity dedicated to the conservation of two important groups of animals.
• The Natural History Museum
  A world-class visitor attraction and a leading science research centre.

Before buying a frog

We recommend consulting a veterinarian before acquiring a frog, especially for those with specific needs.