Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I'm considering getting a few red Eyes, I'm not new to frogs so know how to keep them. What I really want to know is how they rate as an interesting species to keep. They are probably the best looking Tree Frog in my opinion, but how do they rate in personality.

I've heard they are very boring, and few keepers get to see them eat or move. I'm used to my frogs going mad at feeding time, and this is part of why I like to keep them. I like to see them hunt etc, and if I'm not going to be able to I think I will give thema miss.

Any opinions welcome,

Cheers,

Baz

Yeah, with the exception of a few tree frogs such as Gray's and Green's which will actually take food from my hands, most tree frogs are exclusively nocturnal and many are secretive even during the night. Red eyes are not exception. If you're looking for an exciting frog that will hop around all day this is not a frog for you and I suggest not getting them because you will be disappointed.

I disagree with the previous post. It all depends on the individual red-eye. I had one that behaved exactly as described above. But my Waldo, that is whole nother story. Both frogs are hand fed. However, Waldo is quite savage in her taking of food. She is fairly active at night and has all sorts of little quirks. The best one is when I open the top of the tank up at night, she won't come to the top to feed until I whistle or snap my fingers (people get a huge kick out of that). She is not shy in any way and regularly climbs up my hand, arm, head, wherever before she decides its time to go back in the tank. Part of this may be due to her inclosure, it is huge and densely planted. But really its not worth the gamble, if you want a savage active frog look into darts. Phyllobates is an excellent choice for those characteristics.

I agree, it does depend on the frog. But I would still say most are more shy. I agree with the first reply in that you might be dissapointed if you want a frog that will be lively (yes, try darts!), because they are nocturnal and will spend the day all bundled up stuck to the glass or a leaf somewhere. As for the people who say they've never seen them eat...that leaves me a little curious. Frogs kept in the basement of a house where their only human contact is at feeing time might be like that. My frogs are in my room, and are used to me coming in & out, so at night, they're not shy at all! Amphibians & reptiles can't see the red light spectrum, so you can buy a red light bulb at the pet store & use that a night. You'll be able to see very clearly into their cage & watch them move around, but without disturbing them by turning on the bright ceiling lights that will confuse them into thinking it's daytime again.
Just my two cents

I didn't really want a Frog that hops about all day, I understand tree frogs are secretive and nocturnal, I'm more concerned about the evenings when you feed them, do they come out to eat, or do they wait for you to go away before they come out and start hunting?

Red eyes are usually crepuscular (active at dawn & dusk). I'v e kept and breed red-eyes for years and they usually wake up right after their lights go out. This is when I spray the tank down and feed. You can still observe them under subdued lighting and they we stay remain active. They are definitely one of the coolest treefrogs out there. Good luck.