How to Care for a Barking Tree Frog

The barking tree frog is great for people of all experience levels with reptiles as they are hardy and low maintenance. The barking tree frog is nocturnal and very vocal, though, so you will need to be prepared for some nighttime noise. Their call has been measured at 80 decibels which is as loud as a bus. A single barking tree frog may "bark" 8,000 times in one night.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Enclosure
• Screen lid
• Aquarium lining
• Cork bark
• Water dish
• Feeder insects
• Reptile vitamin supplement
• Artificial plants
• Cage substrate
• Spray bottle

1. Provide a 20-gallon aquarium that is fairly tall (avoid the 20 long tanks), for your barking tree frog. Up to 3 frogs will live in this sized aquarium with ease. Provide a snug fitting screen tank lid as well.
2. Cover the sides and back of the aquarium with a tank liner or dark green backing. You may also use cork bark on the back wall as well.
3. Place a substrate of peat moss or orchid bark on the bottom of the cage. You only need a thin layer to help maintain humidity in the aquarium.
4. Use plenty of plants inside the cage and other things for your tree frog to climb on. Provide them with several hiding places as well that they can use during the day or when frightened.
5. Heat the cage with a thermal gradient. One area of the cage should be around room temperature and there should also be a warmer spot in the mid 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Situate a small clean bowl in the aquarium to provide fresh non-chlorinated water constantly to the frogs. You should use a bowl that is only slightly larger than your frogs and is shallow.
7. Mist the cage daily with a spray bottle using non-chlorinated water. This will help you maintain a humidity level that is comfortable for your frogs.
8. Feed the barking tree frog feeder insects from your local pet store like mealworms, crickets and wax worms.
9. Employ specially colored bulbs for night viewing. These can be purchased at any reptile store or pet store that sells reptiles.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for a noisy cage at night. If you cannot deal with the noise level of these frogs do not buy one, you will not enjoy it.
• Dust the insects with a reptile vitamin supplement before feeding them to the frogs.
• Only handle the frogs with latex gloves, and be sure to wash your hands after touching them to prevent the spread of disease.