How to Care for Waxy Monkey Tree Frogs
Waxy monkey tree frogs, also known as Chacoan monkey frogs, are bright green tree frogs that are originally native to South America. These little frogs only grow to about three inches in length. Although tree frogs don't particularly enjoy being handled, they require little space, and can be very entertaining to watch as they roam about their habitats. They are most active at night. Although they appear exotic and different, it's relatively easy to care for a waxy monkey tree frog.
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Things You'll Need
- 20-30 gallon terrarium
- Soft substrate
- Terrarium decorations
- Terrarium plants
- Water dish
- Live frog foods
- Vitamin and calcium powder supplement
Instructions
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Provide a terrarium habitat for your waxy monkey tree frog. A 20 or 30 gallon vivarium or terrarium with a screen top works well. A screen lid provided air circulation, while keeping the tree frog, which is a clever escape artist, inside the habitat.
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2
Fill the bottom of the terrarium with a shallow layer of soft substrate. Suitable substrates include shredded paper towels, soft mulches, or sphagnum moss.
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3
Place terrarium decorations, such as driftwood logs or branches, or artificial caves, in the habitat. You can also place plants, either real or fake, in the terrarium. Live plants that are non-toxic to the tree frog include spineless bromeliads and Chinese evergreen. Both the decorations and the plants will provide hiding places for your frog. The logs and branches can be securely angled against the walls of the habitat, so that the tree frog can climb up them.
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4
Install a full spectrum basking lamp over one end of the habitat. This lamp will provide both light and the necessary vitamin D. Install a thermometer as well, to monitor the temperature. The temperature at the basking spot end of the terrarium should be between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Place a shallow water dish at the end of the habitat opposite the basking area. This water dish should be large enough that the frog can easily climb in and out if it wants to, but not deep enough to completely cover the frog.
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6
Feed the waxy monkey tree frog according to age. If the frog is still growing, feed four to six live insects every day. Live insects include mealworms or crickets. Always feed insects that are smaller than the width of the frog's head. Feed adult frogs four to six insects every other day. Twice a week, dust the frog's meal with a vitamin and calcium supplement powder.
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7
Clean the water dish daily, and provide fresh water.
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Clean the habitat whenever you notice it getting dirty. Clean the habitat by removing any waste that you see. Wipe down the glass and terrarium decorations.
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References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
