Experience Level: Beginner
Did you know? Many Tree Frogs have a very loud, distinctive call that is used during mating season. While enjoyed by frog enthusiasts, this loud noise may be unattractive to others. Many Tree Frogs are also sexually dimorphic meaning there are distinct visual differences in the males and females. In many cases, the female will be considerably larger than the male.
Step 1Choosing a Terrarium
Tree Frogs may be housed with other compatible, similar-sized frogs of same species or other tropical reptiles such as Anoles and Long-tail Lizards. Cuban Tree Frogs should be housed individually.
(A) Use a well-ventilated, 10-gallon (18-20" tall) or larger terrarium for up to two Tree Frogs. If housing more than two, or with other reptiles, a larger terrarium is needed. Taller enclosures are preferred as Tree Frogs like to climb.
(B) Screen lid, if not included with habitat.
Step 2Heating and Lighting
Adequate habitat temperatures and humidity levels are imperative to the overall health of your frog.
• Habitats require should be equipped with two (C) thermometers and one (D) hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
• Supplemental heat, if necessary (since ambient home temperatures often fall within the acceptable range for these frogs), should be provided with a (E) low-wattage heat bulb placed over the habitat. Heat bulbs should be turned off at night to provide cooler nighttime temperatures.
• Use a night specific heat lamp as needed to maintain nighttime temperatures.
|Day||75-85° F (24-29° C)|
|Night||65-75° F (18-24° C)|
• Tree Frogs are nocturnal and provided they are supplied with a dietary source of vitamin D, they do not require ultraviolet light, however they do need a 12-hour light/dark cycle. If room light does not provide enough light, use a daytime light bulb (fluorescent) to provide about 12 hours of visible light per day.
• For night viewing, use a night-specific bulb to minimize visible light provided to your frog.
Step 3Substrate and Decor
(F) Use a 2-3" (5-8 cm) layer of coconut fiber or bark.
• Clean out waste weekly and completely change bedding at least once a month.
(G) Provide branches (artificial or live) for hiding and climbing. Tree Frogs are good climbers and do well in environments with lots of branches and live plants (consult a resource on tropical frogs for a list of appropriate plants).
• Many Tree Frogs have adhesive disks on their feet that make them good climbers.
New surroundings and environments can be stressful for reptiles. Prior to handling your pet, give him 3-4 days to adjust to his new surroundings while monitoring his behavior for any signs of stress or illness. Shortly after purchase, ask a veterinarian familiar with reptiles to examine your pet.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR
• Runny droppings for more than two days
• Eating or drinking less; weight loss
• Swollen joints
• Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
• Shedding problems; discolored skin
• Avoidance of the basking area; more time spent hiding
If you notice any of the above signs, speak with a PetSmart store associate or reptile veterinarian with questions about the health of your pet.
Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program; a program designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets.
The program includes:
• Specific standards our vendors agree to meet in caring for and observing pets for common illnesses.
• Specific standards for in-store pet care.
• The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.