How to Care for a Pet Frog

Frogs have been part of human culture for thousands of years. In fact, it’s believed that frogs were among the earliest animals we domesticated — at least according to Egyptian hieroglyphics. They’ve also appeared as gods and goddesses throughout history from ancient Greece to modern times. And now you can add “fun pet” to their long list of accomplishments.

Although they’ve become increasingly popular with people over time, frogs still aren’t exactly known for being easy to care for. That’s why I’m here to help you learn everything you need to know about caring for your own little tadpole friend. You’ll be able to get started right away after reading this article.

So where do these delicate critters come from? Well, they’re actually native to Africa, Madagascar, and Asia, but they’ve made their way all across the globe due to humans moving them from place to place. There are more than 900 species of frogs, each one unique in its appearance and behavior. The one common denominator is that they all love water.

That said, not every type of frog needs a pond or body of water to live comfortably. For instance, African reed frogs only require vegetation and soil to survive, while fire belly frogs (the kind I keep in my aquarium) don’t even need water. However, if you choose to buy a pet frog to meet your family’s needs, you should really check out what type of frog it is because different types are going to thrive better depending on the conditions they find themselves in.

Tips for Properly Taking Care of Your Pet Frog

Here are six tips for properly taking care of your pet frog.

1. Choose Your Tank

You may think a bowl full of water would suffice for your pet frog, but you’d be mistaken. Although it’s true that many frog species will happily live inside a small container, this isn’t always ideal.

Take the green tree frog for example. While it doesn’t mind having limited space to move around in, it won’t last very long without getting wet. On the other hand, a larger tank allows for much greater movement and swimming room.

It’s important to note that not all frogs appreciate large tanks. If you already have an established aquatic ecosystem, then you might not want to upset things by adding another frog to the mix.

This could cause certain fish species to leave the area, for instance. So make sure you read up on the particular requirements of whatever frog you’re giving life to before making any purchases.

2. Provide A Water Filter

One of the biggest challenges for keeping frogs alive is maintaining a clean environment. Because frogs like to stay submerged underwater, they often ingest lots of bacteria and algae.

You can avoid this problem entirely by installing a filter system in your tank, which will allow you to remove waste materials and maintain healthy levels of ammonia. There are several great options available, including under gravel filters and sponge filters, both of which are fairly inexpensive.

3. Feed Them Right

Not all frogs eat food, though. Many species are carnivores who feast on insects and worms. It’s best to provide your frog with a diet that includes a variety of foods. You can give him crickets, mealworms, wax worms, mosquito larvae and small snails. All of these items contain protein and calcium, two things that your frog needs daily.

Many frogs prefer live prey, but others enjoy eating dry foods such as flakes and pellets. Make sure to check the package instructions carefully to see what your frog likes best. Just remember to change his food regularly because he may grow accustomed to certain flavors.

4. Give Them Some Exercise

Since frogs are naturally active, you should try to mimic this activity whenever possible. But since you’re probably keeping your frog indoors, you’ll need to figure out ways to stimulate his natural tendencies. One simple solution is to put a few rocks in your tank, which will serve as climbing walls for your frog to explore. Another option is to introduce your frog to a piece of artificial grass. Not only does this provide a safe surface for your frog to hop on, but it also makes a good hiding spot for him to hide during rainstorms.

5. Keep Their Environment Healthy

In addition to cleaning the water, you’ll need to ensure that your frog has enough fresh air and light. Since frogs spend most of their time submerged, they don’t usually have access to sunlight. To remedy this situation, you can install windows in your tank to let in sunlight. Or you can purchase special lighting systems that simulate sunshine.

For oxygen, you can use either aeration stones or tiny bubbles. Either method works well, but make sure you don’t force too much air into your tank. Otherwise, the excess gas could harm your frog. Finally, make sure you don’t fry your frog by leaving the lights on overnight.

6. Don’t Over-Reach Yourself

Taking care of a pet frog requires patience and dedication. As with anything else, you should never rush through the process. Frogs are sensitive creatures that require a lot of attention. They must feel comfortable in order to thrive, so make sure you pay close attention to their behaviors and reactions.

And speaking of frogs, if you happen to have one living in your house, you’re in luck! According to National Geographic, frogs make excellent pets.