| Frogs can make excellent pets, especially for | | | | long)and are fairly active. They require a completely |
| beginners. One thing to be certain of: Be sure you're | | | | aquatic tank and have a lifespan of about 5 years. |
| buying frogs bred in captivity. Many species of frogs | | | | One frog requires a one gallon tank with the top of |
| are endangered due, in part, to human activity such | | | | the tank available so it can breathe easily. They can |
| as capture for pets. | | | | be kept with tropical fish which are about the same |
| A few things to consider before purchasing a frog: | | | | size as the frog. |
| The average life span of a frog can be up to fifteen | | | | White's Tree Frogs - A terrestrial frog that can live |
| years, so it's a long-term commitment to care for a | | | | up to 15 years and grows up to 5 inches in length. |
| frog. Also, some frogs grow to be quite large, and it | | | | They are mostly nocturnal and require a diet of live |
| can be difficult to tell which ones will grow larger and | | | | insects like crickets, moths and beetles. They are |
| which won't. Some research before you buy is a | | | | quite tame and can be handled carefully (making sure |
| good idea. | | | | you wash and rinse your hands thoroughly first). It is |
| Frog habitats can be tricky. Some frogs require an | | | | recommended to use at least a 25 gallon tank to |
| aquatic tank (filled with water), some a terrestrial (no | | | | house this type of frog, and have a lot of climbing |
| water) and some require both types of habitat. Be | | | | room with foliage and branches, too. Taller tanks |
| sure which your frog needs or it will suffer unneeded | | | | work well with this type of frog and be sure to have |
| stress, disease and possibly death. In addition to the | | | | a secure lid as these climbers may find their way out |
| type, the habitat will need to be cleaned often. Frogs | | | | of their habitat easily. |
| are susceptible to disease and contaminants within | | | | Oriental Fire-Bellied Toads - A brightly-colored, hardy |
| their living quarters. Frequent cleaning is a vital part of | | | | semi-aquatic frog that can grow up to five inches |
| caring for a frog. | | | | and live up to 15 years. Bright colors in the wild |
| While frogs may be good for beginning pet-owners, | | | | generally mean the animal can be toxic to predators |
| they're might not be the best pet for kids as they're | | | | and this frog is no exception. Handling this species |
| typically not very active. While some smaller species | | | | should be avoided if possible; if not possible, make |
| can move around quite a bit, some larger ones barely | | | | sure there aren't any cuts on your hands and wash |
| move at all. They're not typically a thrilling pet to | | | | your hands well after handling. At least a 10 gallon |
| watch. | | | | tank is adequate for this type of frog, with both |
| Frogs also require live food, mostly insects like | | | | terrestrial and aquatic types of habitat available. They |
| crickets. (Some larger frogs will also eat pinky mice!) | | | | only need to be fed 2 to 3 times per week and |
| Be sure you're able to find live insects locally and that | | | | require a diet of live insects, like crickets, and |
| you don't have difficulty feeding this type of food to | | | | earthworms. |
| your pet. | | | | Even low maintenance pets require care, and frogs |
| So if all of the above doesn't scare you away from | | | | are no exception. With frogs, cleaning and maintaining |
| being a frog owner, you may want to know what | | | | their habitat is the most important part of their care. |
| types of frogs are good for beginners. Those would | | | | They can be peaceful and fun pets, but probably not |
| be: | | | | the most exciting if you're seeking a very active and |
| Dwarf Frogs - These remain small (about 1 inch | | | | entertaining pet. |