Difference between revisions of "Care for a Red Eyed Tree Frog"
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Red-eyed tree frogs are a beautiful and exotic species of frog, especially for amphibian lovers. It is important to make sure they have the best care possible. Your frog requires a special diet of gut-loaded crickets and plenty of water to stay hydrated and cool. A natural, comfortable shelter is important as well. Red-eyed tree frogs are delicate so it is important to handle and treat them with gentleness and respect. | Red-eyed tree frogs are a beautiful and exotic species of frog, especially for amphibian lovers. It is important to make sure they have the best care possible. Your frog requires a special diet of gut-loaded crickets and plenty of water to stay hydrated and cool. A natural, comfortable shelter is important as well. Red-eyed tree frogs are delicate so it is important to handle and treat them with gentleness and respect. | ||
| − | [[Category:Tree Frogs]] | + | [[Category: Tree Frogs]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Feeding and Hydrating Your Frog=== | ===Feeding and Hydrating Your Frog=== | ||
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#Feed your frog insects every two or three days. Red-eyed tree frogs are insectivores, which means that they eat bugs and insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and moths. You can buy live crickets from a pet or reptile store. Feed your frog around fifteen live crickets every two to three days.<ref name="rf4">http://www.reptilesncritters.com/care-guide-red-eyed-tree-frogs.php</ref> | #Feed your frog insects every two or three days. Red-eyed tree frogs are insectivores, which means that they eat bugs and insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and moths. You can buy live crickets from a pet or reptile store. Feed your frog around fifteen live crickets every two to three days.<ref name="rf4">http://www.reptilesncritters.com/care-guide-red-eyed-tree-frogs.php</ref> | ||
#*Red-eyed tree frogs will occasionally eat worms as well. Wax worms are recommended for this. Do not feed them meal worms. Not all frogs will accept worms to eat, however.<ref name="rf5">http://www.redeyedtreefrog.com/Red-Eyed/red-eyed.html</ref> | #*Red-eyed tree frogs will occasionally eat worms as well. Wax worms are recommended for this. Do not feed them meal worms. Not all frogs will accept worms to eat, however.<ref name="rf5">http://www.redeyedtreefrog.com/Red-Eyed/red-eyed.html</ref> | ||
| − | #Provide a water dish. A wide, shallow water dish will allow your frogs to drink and hydrate. A water dish is essential because it will allow the frog to cool down if they are too hot or wash down if they become too dry. It can even increase the humidity in the terrarium.<ref name=" | + | #Provide a water dish. A wide, shallow water dish will allow your frogs to drink and hydrate. A water dish is essential because it will allow the frog to cool down if they are too hot or wash down if they become too dry. It can even increase the humidity in the terrarium.<ref name="rf8" /> A heavy plastic or clay water dish will prevent spills. |
#*Water should be changed every day.<ref name="rf6">http://www.anapsid.org/greentreefrog.html</ref> | #*Water should be changed every day.<ref name="rf6">http://www.anapsid.org/greentreefrog.html</ref> | ||
#*If you have many frogs in one cage, you might want to have multiple water bowls. | #*If you have many frogs in one cage, you might want to have multiple water bowls. | ||
| − | #Spray the terrarium to increase humidity. Red-eyed tree frogs need a humidity of around 90%.<ref name=" | + | #Spray the terrarium to increase humidity. Red-eyed tree frogs need a humidity of around 90%.<ref name="rf8" /> To help maintain the humidity, spray the terrarium with a water-filled spray bottle twice a day. Spray the walls, substrate, and furnishings.<ref name="rf8" /> |
#*If your frog’s skin is looking dry, you can even spray them. Be careful not to spray them in their face. | #*If your frog’s skin is looking dry, you can even spray them. Be careful not to spray them in their face. | ||
#*You can also invest in an automatic misting system. These are expensive, but they will handle the spraying process to ensure that your frogs are properly hydrated. | #*You can also invest in an automatic misting system. These are expensive, but they will handle the spraying process to ensure that your frogs are properly hydrated. | ||
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#*The substrate should be scooped out and replaced every two to three months.<ref name="rf8">http://amphibiancare.com/2008/05/27/terrarium-and-vivarium-maintenance/</ref> | #*The substrate should be scooped out and replaced every two to three months.<ref name="rf8">http://amphibiancare.com/2008/05/27/terrarium-and-vivarium-maintenance/</ref> | ||
#Furnish with leaves and natural décor. Your frog will appreciate some items around the cage to climb and hide under. Find some natural, leafy looking furnishings to place in the cage. Make sure that these are non-toxic to prevent damage to your frog's sensitive skin. | #Furnish with leaves and natural décor. Your frog will appreciate some items around the cage to climb and hide under. Find some natural, leafy looking furnishings to place in the cage. Make sure that these are non-toxic to prevent damage to your frog's sensitive skin. | ||
| − | #*Coconut halves make great dens for the frogs.< | + | #*Coconut halves make great dens for the frogs.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Leaves, driftwood, rocks, cork, and branches can give your frog something to climb and explore.< | + | #*Leaves, driftwood, rocks, cork, and branches can give your frog something to climb and explore.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#*You can put in both fake and living plants, but fake plants are easier to keep alive. | #*You can put in both fake and living plants, but fake plants are easier to keep alive. | ||
#Keep the habitat warm. During the day, the cage will need to be between 78 and 84 degrees F (25 and 28C). At night, the temperature can drop no more than ten degrees. If your room temperature is cooler than this, you may have to invest in heaters for your terrarium. There are several options for heating the terrarium: | #Keep the habitat warm. During the day, the cage will need to be between 78 and 84 degrees F (25 and 28C). At night, the temperature can drop no more than ten degrees. If your room temperature is cooler than this, you may have to invest in heaters for your terrarium. There are several options for heating the terrarium: | ||
#*Low wattage heat bulbs can attach to the screen top. They provide enough heat without burning your frogs. | #*Low wattage heat bulbs can attach to the screen top. They provide enough heat without burning your frogs. | ||
| − | #*Heat pads can rest beneath the cage. Look for ones specially designed for reptiles at your pet store.<ref name="rf9">http://www.lllreptile.com/products/106-zoo-med-10-to-20-gallon-heat-pad</ref> Be warned that if water touches the hot glass, it can crack the glass.< | + | #*Heat pads can rest beneath the cage. Look for ones specially designed for reptiles at your pet store.<ref name="rf9">http://www.lllreptile.com/products/106-zoo-med-10-to-20-gallon-heat-pad</ref> Be warned that if water touches the hot glass, it can crack the glass.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Red or nocturnal bulbs can be left on all night to ensure around the clock warmth.< | + | #*Red or nocturnal bulbs can be left on all night to ensure around the clock warmth.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal so extra lighting isn’t necessarily. Bulbs would simply provide warmth. | #*Red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal so extra lighting isn’t necessarily. Bulbs would simply provide warmth. | ||
===Taking Care of Your Frog’s Health=== | ===Taking Care of Your Frog’s Health=== | ||
| − | #Clean the cage regularly. The frog’s enclosure should be cleaned once a week. Remove all of the furnishings, and wash them with hot water only. Do not use soap; this could irritate your frog’s skin.< | + | #Clean the cage regularly. The frog’s enclosure should be cleaned once a week. Remove all of the furnishings, and wash them with hot water only. Do not use soap; this could irritate your frog’s skin.<ref name="rf6" /> Remove visible debris from the substrate, such as leftover cricket parts or feces. The substrate itself only needs to be replaced every two to three months. Mist and wipe down the terrarium walls, but do not use commercial cleaning solutions or soap.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Avoid handling the frog. Frogs are not pets that should be handled often. They may be skittish and afraid of human contact. In addition, their sensitive skin means that human skin can irritate them. Only handle your frog when necessary, such as during cleanings or if taking the frog to a vet.<ref name="rf3" /> | #Avoid handling the frog. Frogs are not pets that should be handled often. They may be skittish and afraid of human contact. In addition, their sensitive skin means that human skin can irritate them. Only handle your frog when necessary, such as during cleanings or if taking the frog to a vet.<ref name="rf3" /> | ||
#*To pick up a frog, dampen a dip net, and gently coax the animal inside. Place your hand over the net to prevent the frog from jumping out as you lift the net.<ref name="rf10">http://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/enjoying-your-reptile/how-to-handle-an-amphibian</ref> | #*To pick up a frog, dampen a dip net, and gently coax the animal inside. Place your hand over the net to prevent the frog from jumping out as you lift the net.<ref name="rf10">http://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/enjoying-your-reptile/how-to-handle-an-amphibian</ref> | ||
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#*If they are swimming on top of one another, they don’t have enough water. Add more water to give them some space. | #*If they are swimming on top of one another, they don’t have enough water. Add more water to give them some space. | ||
#*You may not be able to accommodate so many frogs at once. Be prepared to find these frogs new homes once they grow up. You can call a local pet store or post ads on local pet forums. | #*You may not be able to accommodate so many frogs at once. Be prepared to find these frogs new homes once they grow up. You can call a local pet store or post ads on local pet forums. | ||
| − | #Find a herpetarium veterinarian. If your frog is showing signs of low energy, appetite, or other unusual behavior, you will want to take it to see a vet. You should find a herpetarium vet who specializes in caring for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. These can be very difficult to find, so locate one before your frog becomes sick.< | + | #Find a herpetarium veterinarian. If your frog is showing signs of low energy, appetite, or other unusual behavior, you will want to take it to see a vet. You should find a herpetarium vet who specializes in caring for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. These can be very difficult to find, so locate one before your frog becomes sick.<ref>http://www.anapsid.org/vets/</ref> |
#*To find a herp vet, you can contact local veterinary schools, or you can look through the member listings of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians.<ref name="rf11">http://arav.org/</ref> | #*To find a herp vet, you can contact local veterinary schools, or you can look through the member listings of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians.<ref name="rf11">http://arav.org/</ref> | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Remember that these frogs' food are live feeders. If crickets bother you, you may want to consider another pet. | *Remember that these frogs' food are live feeders. If crickets bother you, you may want to consider another pet. | ||
| − | *Some people have artificial ponds instead of water bowls for a more natural look. These require frequent cleanings and filtration.< | + | *Some people have artificial ponds instead of water bowls for a more natural look. These require frequent cleanings and filtration.<ref name="rf8" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
