Reptile & Amphibian Forums

You can lose them REAL quick if just one has an internal parasite. I prefer to keep a single RETF in its own terrarium to keep it from harm's way, or at least minimize it.

BEWARE of getting RETFs from dealers who do not captive breed them. If wild captured, guaranteed infected with something.

They can look real healthy one day then get sick REAL quick if you aren't careful about keeping the terrarium absolutely clean with at least weekly changing of substrate.

I prefer to use paper towels.

JadeFox

I sell lots of frogs and deal with import and CB red eye tree frogs. Out of the 45 or so import red eye tree frogs I have been through this year I have had no problems. I quarentine them for a period of 2 weeks to a month before selling them. I have kept several for myself and have had no problems from them. Yes there are some crappy imports out there for sale.

You have to deal with a reputable dealer who hopefully has a good importer. Also as with any animal no matter where it comes from it should be quarentined for a period of no less than a month before introducing it to an established group.

Also look at what you pay for the frog. If you are paying less than $40 for an adult frog, I would question it seriously. This means either the seller didn't pay much for them, they haven't had them long, or they have a large amount of them to get rid of. All of these factors can affect the condition of the frog. It might be cheaper to order it online froma large retailer, but the smaller individuals like myself put time and effort into their animals. I feed vitamins, clena the cages regularly, and inspect each of my animals every day to check for problems. If there is any doubts I will not sell the animal.

Basically you get what you pay for. If the dealer is a good one they will work to resolve any problems. Also examine how you have set them up. red eye require near perfect conditions and do not tolerate a dirty terrarium.

Also be caution of size. Larger adult REs will not think twice about making a meal of a smaller juvi or baby. Also be sure you are feeding the correct size food... too small of a cricket can cause lingering hunger and in turn illness. Too large of a cricket can cause impaction problems as well as rectal prolapse (often seen as a liquid filled bubble protruding from the rectum)

If you choose to use paper towel as a substrate, try to use unbleached and unprinted.

ALWAYS use a water conditioner to treat the water in their soaking dish as well as in your misting bottle. You want to be sure to remove mainly ammonia as well as other heavy metals that can in turn cause serious harm to your beloved froggie.

And lastly... DO NOT FORGET VITAMINS AND CALCIUM!!! It is very important to dust your frogs food items to avoid brittle bones and a weakened captive animal.
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Heather
The Gang (1.1.0 agalychnis callidryas, 0.2.0 bufo spinulosus, 4.0.0 osteopilus septentrionalis)

ellasmommie@yahoo.com