Things You'll Need:
- Aquarium
- Shallow water pool
- Heating lamp
- Cricket Powder
- Crickets
-
Step 1
The first place to start is to visit a vivarium. Vivariums are pet stores devoted exclusively to reptiles and amphibians and are usually staffed by friendly, knowledgable people who are passionate about them. They would be more than willing to aid you in adding a tree frog to your family and answering any questions or concerns you may have. Picking out your new family member is the fun part! I would recommend a female tree frog, as she is less likely to croak all night and females are generally quieter than males. Next, you will need to purchase the following supplies: a small to medium size aquarium, a heating lamp, a shallow pool for water and a sturdy climbing branch. I would recommend purchasing a heating lamp that will shut off automatically if it overheats. Moss and extra accessories to jazz up your frog's home are fun, but not required. Now its time to take your new pet home!
-
Step 2
Once you bring your frog home, find a place to set up her aquarium. You want to avoid direct sunlight as well as heating vents and air conditioning units. Make sure the aquarium is set up in a room that will retain a constant, comfortable temperature. Also make sure that there is an outlet nearby as the heating lamp will need to be on at all times, with the exception of feeding time. Fill the pool with water, making sure it is not too deep. Place the climbing branch so that each end of the branch is touching the side of the aquarium. You do not want your frog to injure itself trying to jump from the branch to the glass wall of its enclosure. You will need to clean the enclosure of waste and uneaten crickets once a week. Also be sure to clean and refill the pool at least once a week.
-
Step 3
After setting up the enclosure, the next step is feeding your new pet. On average tree frogs eat 2 to 3 times a week, although each individual frog will vary. I'd start by feeding your frog 4 times a week, and seeing how often she will eat. Some frogs will eat more, others less. You can always scale back how often you feed. You will be feeding your frog small to medium size live crickets. You will need to coat the crickets in protein powder, often called cricket powder. There are several different kinds on the market, I personally would recommend ReptoLife. Ask the staff at the vivarium what kinds they would recommend, as there are literally dozens on the market at the moment. Take 2 or 3 crickets, making sure they are small to medium size so your frog does not choke, and place them in a plastic baggie filled with powder. A ziploc bag would work fine. Zip the bag and gently shake the crickets until they are fully coated. Place them in the enclosure and turn off the lights so your frog will feed.
-
Step 4
I would suggest buying crickets in bulk, as this is cheaper than buying them weekly. Simply put them in a plastic critter cage, which you can purchase at any pet store. Feed them dry oatmeal, fresh fruit such as oranges and apples, and cottonballs soaked in water for extra liquids. Old toilet paper rolls work well for shelter.
-
Step 5
Enjoy your new family member! Children especially will love to watch their frog eat and move around the enclosure, and as long as they are gentle they can even handle and play with the frog. Me and my sisters loved watching our frog swim in the tub, supervised of course, and even included her in our make-believe games. Be sure that your children handle the frog with care, especially the delicate toes and feet. Otherwise, this animal is an easy, low maintenance and fun pet to have. You will enjoy your new pet for years to come! Have fun!
