Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, I am having a big problem with my RETF. I originaly had 2 which came from the same place and I assume were tank mates since they were hatched. They got along great no problems I noticed as they grew that one was getting larger than the other I am guessing they were 1 male and 1 female don't know for certain since they are too young to call or to see nuptial pads but by size I am guessing one of each sex. Well the male or smaller one drowned in a horrible oversight on my part as I didn't arrange the leaf back in the water dish after cleaning the tank. I bought another one to keep the female or larger one company but it isn't going well at all. They are around the same size the new one is a tad smaller but not by much. But I keep seeing bits of substrate stuck to him and tonight I found the poor guy on the bottom covered in substrate barely breathing well I have seperated them and am nursing the little guy back to health but I can't figure out the behavior. I thought RETF were communal and could do well together. They have plenty of space and more than enough food for the both of them. How can I get them to get along? Any suggestions are appreciated I am stumped. Thanks, Jen

Are your frogs captive bred or wild caught? Also what temps are you keeping them at? This may be a source of your problem.

Well, you mention the tank is large enough, but just out of curiousity, how large is that?

Anyway, before adding another tank mate you should always quarantine for a few months. You're risking your first froggy like that. Now that the frogs are separated, keep them that way for a while... how long have you had this new frog? It could be sick from the breeder. Ah, I can't really think too clearly (tired, but bored enough to be online) right now so I'll try to answer more tomorrow if someone else hasn't gotten to it yet. Good luck.
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Got hips like Cinderella / Must be having a good shame / Talking sweet about nothing / Cookie I think you're Tame

I have them in a 29 gal high and they are both young not even close to full grown I recieved both from the same breeder and since I last posted I have found out that they did come from the same sibling group so they are the same age. The tank has bed-a-beast bedding with artificial trailing vines Flukes brand. There is a med size water dish with plants hanging in it for them to climb out on and is surrounded with flat rocks so they can get out and not have bedding stick to them. The temps in the day are pretty regular at around 78 and drop at night to around 72 the humidity stays between 65 and 75. All this and they still don't get along what am I going to do with these little ones? I didn't seperate them at first because they came from the same place which is a very trustworthy dealer I have dealt with for awhile. Any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Jen

Well, since they've lived separately until now, even being siblings doesn't guarantee a thing. Keep them separated... you can keep the sick one in a 10-gallon tank or so temporarily without problems. You really don't know under what conditions the new frog was kept and it could be stressed or have parasites... it also could be adjusting to its new environment. Either way, it could come with different parasites than your original, living RETF, so it's always a good idea to quarantine.

For one, I'd raise the humidity, but I don't think that would cause these problems. This problem, by the way (because your set-up sounds fine from what you described to me), seems like it merits a call to your veterinarian. I'd raise the temps a few degrees with a lamp (72*F seems especially chilly... maybe I'm just way too cold intolerant) and make sure the water is being changed regularly and that there aren't any toxins in it and you're properly conditioning it, or use a good spring water. This also could be nothing, but I'd take all the precautions and check over carefully what you're doing, just incase. Frogs breathe very slowly sometimes, and RETFs can have some very silly habits. Is the frog still acting strange? Has it shed? Is it eating? Is it sleeping on the ground during the day, too?

If there is Bed-A-Beast on the frog and it seems bothersome, make sure the substrate is neither too dry or too wet, and the same goes for the frog so its skin doesn't pick up the substrate. Or, better yet, change to moist (uncolored) paper towels, especially for the time being with the sick frog. Good luck to you and your froggy and keep us informed with what's going on. I really hope nothing is wrong, but I'd still call an exotic vet to see if you should bring the frog in.
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Got hips like Cinderella / Must be having a good shame / Talking sweet about nothing / Cookie I think you're Tame