"Knee-Deep" In Frog Care Many
Kentuckiana families are jumping into a new hobby ... keeping pet
frogs. These amphibians are interesting to watch, come in lots of
varieties and are easy to maintain once you know the basics. Remember
that frogs can live a long time, so your commitment to this pet
is similar to the one you would make to getting a dog.
Begin
by reading up on the species you're thinking of keeping. Some have
special dietary needs and habits. Be prepared to feed your pet live
crickets and other insects. Larger species require live mice. Your
commitment to your pet includes finding someone who will provide
care if you're away on vacation. This means someone who won't mind
handling their food!
Always
purchase captive-bred frogs. They are accustomed to terrarium life
and the foods you'll be able to provide. With wild frogs you may
catch and bring home, you'll likely experience less success. The
animals may not survive the stress of the transition to captivity.
Amphibians
need humidity in the air and access to water. Without adequate moisture,
frogs can dehydrate and die. You can help provide moisture by misting
your frog(s) twice a day with de-chlorinated water from a spray
bottle. Some species need to be able to immerse themselves in water.
Others can get along with damp soil or moss on the bottom of their
tank and a bowl of water. When doing your research, be sure you
know which environment your frogs will prefer and what kind of terrarium
set up you'll need.
Provide
plenty of terrarium vegetation and décor for hiding. Many
amphibians are nocturnal and most are solitary. They require places
to hide. Some prefer to be up off the ground and others hover in
vegetation at ground level. Know your species' preferences.
Cleaning
the terrarium regularly is essential for your pet's health. Cleaning
includes filtration for the water portion of the tank. There are
several filtration systems available.
Lastly,
be prepared for a less-than-interactive pet. They don't learn tricks
and you can't take them for walks. Frogs do, however, often have
their own individual personality and charm. Learning about and keeping
the variety of different kinds of frogs is, for some, a life long
passion. |