Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and thought I would introduce myself and hopefully get a few answers to some questions I have...

I currently DO NOT have any frogs, but have been researching both tree frogs and dart frogs. Over the next few months, after proper research and vivarium set-up, I would like to acquire a few of either one or the other. I realize this is a tree frog forum, but I would be interested in anyone's opinion regarding which one would be a better beginner species (I am not asking which is "better,"...I understand that is like comparing apples to oranges). Rather, what are the most significant pros and cons of either species for a beginner (we do have hermit crabs and RES turtles, but the frogs will be a new endeavor). After reading all I can read on both frog species, I have not quite come to any conclusion yet...any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Also, can anyone please clear up the hot topic of which tree frogs can be housed together (if any), and likewise, which dart frogs can be housed together (if any...and just in case you're wondering...no, I promise I won't put the tree frogs together with the dart frogs...Reading previous posts has taught me that much! LOL). By the way, I am also posting this in the tree frog forum just in case any of you read those too.

Thanks again,
Ann

hi there if u never ever kept any frogs in your whole life i suggest starting out with easier frogs. maybe fire belly frogs? or green tree frogs? im still new to this forum so i still got a lot to learn

I would personally recommend dart frogs for a few reasons:

1) Darts are diurnal (awake during the day) while most tree frogs are nocturnal (awake at night). You'll have a better time watching darts because they will be out during the hours that you have your lights on, and they won't be chirping while you're trying to sleep.

2) Most beginner darts can be safely kept at around room temperature (that's 72 degrees F). That makes the setup pretty nice, as you don't have to worry about having a heater in every tank unless you keep your house super cold.

3) The good beginner frogs (D. tinctorius morphs (including azureus), leucomelas, and auratus . . . there are others that people will recommend as well) are readily available (if not exclusively available) as captive born specimens. Many of the tree frogs I see for sale are imported wild-caught specimens that could have some parasite or other problem which could lead to a bad experience early.

4) (and finally) I'm prejudiced and just love darts. The selection of colors you have in the tinctorius group as a good starter species gives you a lot of options with a frog with tons of personality. When you have that, you don't need different species together, IMHO. These guys really aren't that tough to take care of, as long as you research and plan well enough to ensure that their environment is properly taken care of, and you have plenty of food.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

I agree, dart frogs all the way. Not difficult to keep (common species and CB), just need a constant food source because they have a high metabolism and need lots of food especially adults. Try to locate a local breeder who could help, but if not, lots of internet support people around, just ask.

WM

I would go for the darts. Their really not very hard to keep...The fruit fly cultures are even harder to take care of imo.

M.N

Hi,
I have both tree frogs and dartfrogs.My tree frogs,orange legged monkey frogs, are cool but not nearly as active as dartfrogs are.The tree frogs move very slowly but they are cool to watch.My dartfrogs are basically always out and about and can be very active at times.What it comes down to is what you want.Sounds like you have done your research so it is up to you.One thing is make sure you know how to culture the fruit flies before you invest in the dart frogs this is VERY IMPORTANT!!My monkey frogs are small so they eat about the same thing as my dartfrogs. Good luck with your choice.
Mark W.