Taking Care of a Pet Frog
While dogs and cats make good pets, you might consider getting a unique pet. And a frog sure is one. Frogs are amazing critters that are easy to maintain. However, there are many species of frogs, each with its likes and dislikes. You need to know which breed is right for you, how big it gets, and the care it demands.
What You Should Know About Frogs
Frogs are amphibians and like to live in moist places. So, if you are considering a pet frog, you may need a glass terrarium. They have a lifespan of 2 to 10 years and can grow up to 2-5 inches. Frogs are insectivorous, feeding on little crawlies like cockroaches, earthworms, silkworms, and crickets.
How to Take Care of a Pet Frog
1. Living Environment
Like fish, frogs need a glass terrarium for optimal humidity. The size of the glass terrarium depends on the number of frogs you want to keep and how big they get. Ensure that you provide free space for your pet frog. Overcrowding them may distress them and cause illness.
Frogs are jumpy and may escape if not well enclosed. See that your glass terrarium always has a mesh lid cover. Also, use organic substrate around water areas and furnish the enclosure with ornamental rocks and artificial plants. To avoid injuring a frog, ensure all furnishings are smooth.
2. Nutrition
Frogs feed on insects, and the insects need to be fresh for the frog to consider them as food—these creatures are choosy. You can feed your pet frog insects such as earthworms, crickets, and silkworms. These insects may not have all the nutrients a frog requires for excellent health. You need to add supplements such as vitamins and calcium for a balanced diet.
The number of insects you feed your frog depends on its size and age. For young frogs, feed them at least two insects per day. For the adults, 2-3 insects will sustain them. If you have more than one frog, tong feeding is an excellent choice to monitor the amount each frog eats.
When should you feed a frog? There is no perfect time. However, frogs are active at night, which is a good time to nourish them.
3. Care and Maintenance
Temperature
Frogs' body temperature changes with that of their surroundings. So, it's good to provide them with a moderately warm temperature. The amount of heat varies from species to species. However, provide a hot spot at 300C, water at 260C, and a cool spot at 240C. You can provide heat through:
- Ceramic heat emitter.
- Water heaters.
- Moonlight or infrared globes.
Always used as a thermostat to regulate the temperature.
Lighting
Frogs need three types of lighting to thrive excellently
- UVA light for growth, appetite, and reproduction.
- UVB light for absorption of calcium and vitamins.
- Natural life for the day and night cycle.
This light should last for 12 hours, and you should not provide any light at night.
Water
Frogs are sensitive to chemicals and pollutants such as chlorine. Always ensure they have filtered water or tap water free from impurities. Change the water regularly to give your frog a fresh environment.
The frogs live in a humid environment, but you should always provide a dry area. Excess humidity favours the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria which may cause diseases to your pet.
Finally
Frogs are unique pets that are not ideal for cuddling. However, they make good pets with fewer demands of care and maintenance. If you provide them with the proper nutrition, living environment, adequate lighting, humidity, and warmth, you are good to go. These little creatures will also help you get rid of insects from your home.