Tree frogs are a very popular species to keep as pets in the UK, they are found mostly in Australia and Papa New Guinea in the wild.
Tree frogs grow to around 4 inches in length once fully grown, which makes them a very manageable size. By nature, most reptiles do not enjoy being handled as they are a prey animal and can be intimidated by us as we are larger and can be seen as a predator. However, with patience and time tree frogs will tolerate being handled. Always remember your frog is capable of jumping long distances, so care should be taken when handling.
Tree frogs are carnivores and will eat a variety of insects. This should be judged on their size and baby frogs can start on fruit flies, developing then into crickets and hoppers as they get bigger. Tree frogs also enjoy worms such as wax worms and earth worms. All insects should be gut loaded with vegetables such as carrots, greens, pepper etc. This increases the nutritional level of the insects which are passed onto your frog.
FUN FACT : Tree frogs drink water through their skin, so a water bowl is essential and it must be treated with a reptile de-chlorinator which is available in store.
The insects will be sprinkled liberally with Komodo nutrical powder or Arcadia earth pro calcium, available in store. These are to ensure all frogs benefit from the much needed calcium intake to ensure strong bones and thus avoiding MBD (metabolic bone disease), a fatal and often easily avoided condition that causes life long health complications for reptiles.
Frogs require UVB and we would recommend the shade dweller kit, which is specially made to provide just enough light to animals that would remain hidden during the day.
We would advise using a low wattage bulb connected to a dimming thermostat to regulate the heat inside the frogs enclosure as it must not get too hot for them. As they are an aboreal species and like to climb you should ensure that the hot spot is somewhere near the top of the vivarium with temperature at 26-29c on the hot spot to 22-25c on their ambient temp. Their UVB and heat bulb should be on top of the mesh at the top of the terrarium so that the frog cannot access them and burn itself. Temperature gauges should be used at the hot and cool area of the terrarium to monitor temperatures.
Tree frogs require humidity of 70% and no lower than 50%, you should have a hygrometer inside the terrarium to monitor this. We sell a reptile dechlorinator, which you can add to some water and spray the enclosure down twice a day. There should be water droplets visible on the decoration and glass, just make sure that the water is room temperature and not too cold or hot.
If you have purchased a full set up from us then an adequately sized terrarium is included along with calcium, thermostat and heat bulb. Reptile safe disinfectant and essential UVB are provided to ensure you have everything you need to get your chosen frog set up and happy in their new home with you. Remember to only use reptile safe disinfectant which can be purchased in store.
You should regularly health check your frog to ensure their eyes are bright, that they are active and maintain a good weight and condition.
You should regular check them for stuck shed, especially around their toes as this can cause further problems. Correct humidity levels will also help the shedding process.
We also recommend checking your reptile's mouth for mouth rot regularly, as this can be caused by stress, incorrect temperature and humidity levels, poor diet and poor general conditions. This needs to be treated with regular cleaning and antibiotics. Remember to NEVER pull shed off your reptile as this can be very painful for them.
Don't forget to purchase hides, wooden bridges, vines and decor for your frog so they can hide and climb.
We have branches, platforms, plants and logs available in store to provide a fun area for your frog. All reptile products and decorations we have available are safe and provide not only an interesting environment for you and your frog, but encourages natural behaviours for maximum welfare. For ideas on what may further enrich your frog, please speak to a member of our team who will be able to advise.
If you have any questions about the pet you have just purchased, them please feel free to give the store you purchased it from a call.
We hope that you enjoy your newest companion and have many happy years together!
