Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Posted this same message in the Frog General forums to see if I could get a valid response.

Just wanted to throw this up here to see if any other Pacman owner has ever had the same experience.

Just up to a few days ago, my frog started freaking out when I took him out to clean his tank. In all past cleanings, he has never over reacted like this. His back end puffed up and he used his hind legs to raise himself up. I'm guessing this is his defense mechanism. Question one: I've allowed him several days to settle down but he is doing this daily, most of the time when I spray the tank to raise the humidity. Why do this all of a sudden, when he hasn't done this to me at all in the past?

Secondly, I noticed there to be a barely noticeable white filmy substance developing on his right eye. This may have something to do with him stressin out, but just wondering if any one else has ever had a similar problem?

I feel so bad because he looks exhausted everytime he puffs himself up, but regardless I have to spray the tank! And the eye, I'm going to wait a few more days to see how things develop, unless someone here posts something that sounds similar to the problem I'm having.

Here are more specifics.

My frog is a bit smaller than what I expect it to be, I've had him for a few months now, he still looks like a juvenile. However the vet said that everything was fine and some frogs grow slower than others.

When I first acquired him, he readily chased down any small crickets. Then his eating patterns began to change and began eating less and less. I found that by feeding him at night and by keeping the temperature warm that tends to entice him to come out and eat. There have been times where he doesn't eat for up to 2 weeks; wax worms usually solve that problem.

The thing that's worrying me is how he's always puffing himself up when I come to mist the tank and the filmy white substance over his right eye. He hasn't eaten in about 3 weeks and looks exhausted after every time he puffs up. Please help!

A picture would be most helpful to see what is going on with your fella's eye. As for the puffy behavior, do you handle him much? These frogs are aggressive by nature, but if handled frequently will tame down and become very pleasant. Many people feel that handling frogs shortens the lifespan, but I'm of the feeling that if the animal is a pet and not a science project, then there is a tradeoff between the lifespan of the animal and the quality of the human -pet interaction. So its up to you- if it were my frog, I would handle him alot and make him tolerant of me. Puffy behavior can also mean that he is stressed out- maybe he does not like the tank he is in, the substrate he is on- it might be too dry, too wet, too cold, too hot. You need to investigate further, and see if changing conditions might make him feel better. Also, it does not sound like he is eating enough- if all he likes is waxworms, then give him as many as he wants. Try nightcrawlers, roaches, fish, and other foods to get him to eat. Vary the diet, and don't rely on crickets and mealworms for a growing frog.

Well see, that's the thing. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary that would spook him that much. He suffered from a prolapsed rectum a few months back and I had to handle him everyday for about two weeks to medicate him for intestinal parasites. Even at THAT point he never stressed out. And that's exactly why I'm so puzzled as to why he would stress out now and not before.

When the day came to take him out to clean his tank, bout a week ago, he just immediately recoiled from my hand, hissed at me, inflated his rear end and raise it into the air with his hind legs. I was so puzzled because this was the first time I have seen him do this. Within the last week now, he hasn't moved from his spot except to repeat his "puffing up" routine.

Two nights ago, he made one attempt to grab at a wax worm, he missed and he stopped trying. I try to feed him everyday even in this state, and he just doesn't go for it anymore. I wanted to give him time to stop stressin out but there have been no improvements as of yet.

I'm sorry I don't have access to a digital camera at the moment but I will try to get one asap. Just imagine an almost clear, milky layer of jelly. =/ Well regardless, if anyone has ever had any eye related problems that sounds similar, lemme know.

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/5266/08150616461hm0.jpg

here I managed to catch a shot with my cell phone while my frog was in the act of raising his rear end. I took a picture of the eye but due to the bad quality of resolution on my cell phone you just can't tell.

But look at the picture, the rear end swelling up and raised it does not look relaxed. And I am so puzzled as to why it would start doing this now and not before when I would handle my frog more than I should.

WOW! ok just relax and breath.....It would help if we could size him up, i think a small cage is better til there full grown. I use those round plastic tanks from petco when there the size of dime til they out grow it then 5 gal, all these is in dirt, then when full grown some can go into 10gal.The reason why is so there food cant hide from'em, also your frog will feel safe in it. I've got one thats real picky, size of golf ball that only eats the tiniest of mice, or he won't eat for months(he's full grown)
As for the puff'n up and bark'n, thats completely normal, he prolly feels like your invade'n his space and thats what pacs do!
The reason I'm am post'n is cuz I read the post about hold'n your frogs!!!!!!Thats a HUGE NO-NO!!! These are not geckos, or some lizard, snake, whatever, the chemicals on your hands hurt the frogs.Even if you just washed hands wit soap, frogs skin can absorb it, also frogs tend to jump and get hurt.
The only time I touch'em is to change the tank out and they go right in a 15qt tub til I'm done. Not try'n to seem all high & mighy just want what best for your frogI'll post some pics of my setups and whats worked for me& my krew!!The first 2 pics of my newest guyz from East Bay, and Khan!