Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I read that a bullfrogs lifespan is 4-5 years. That seems so short. Does that count from the time they hatch into tadpoles or from when they morph into frogs? My new bullfrog is really great, I'm very happy with him. I'm really hoping he'll live more than just a few years. He's growing but is still just a little guy.

My other question is that he spends a lot of time in the water. I have 3 large water bowls in his tank. One on the warm side over the UTH which makes the water nice and warm (not hot, just warm), one in the middle of the tank, and one on the cool side. Needless to say he likes the "hot tub" (as I call it) the best, but does go in all 3. He comes out to hunt crickets, but spends the rest of the time in the water. Is this normal?

When he gets too big for water bowls, should I plan on a semi aquatic setup? Like a large aquarium (55 gallon or bigger) that is half filled w/water with a heater and filter, and then a raised land area in case he wants to come out?

Curious to hear about or see pics of enclosures people have done for adult bullfrogs so I can get some ideas.

One other question, do any of you have males? How loud is their calling? Can you hear it in every room of the house?

Here's a new pic of little "Prince" (or "Princess" if he turns out to be a she)...

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www.LynsLair.com
0.1 Cat (Mia)
4.2 Ferrets (Wolf, Shadow, Verdell, Sullivan, Boo, Peach)
1.0 Carpet Python (Bear)
1.0 Malagasy Blonde Hognose (Wilbur)
1.0 Whites Tree Frog (Trevor)
1.0 Albino American Bullfrog (Prince)
1.0 AFT Gecko (Cocoa)
5.9 Leopard Geckos (Trouble, Scooter, Simba, Firenze, Teddy, Buttercup, Nala, Mystique, Jewel, Freckles, Dotty, Zipper, Princess Leo, Twister)

I heard the same thing-the lifespan is 5 years, but I think they say that with any frog. My red-legged running frog is SUPPOSED to live five years and I had him over 5 years and still doing very well.

Probably with adequate care I would venture to say 8-10 years is more likely.

My male bullfrog is cute and he's quite loud, and I can hear him all over the house. Not booming loud but just loud. For some reason he respects my sleeping hours and I never--not once-heard him croack at night. Daytime is another matter. He mostly croaks during the morning and afternoon.

I have an odd eyelash frog and he's respecting my sleep lately and does not make a peep until I wake up, and he's VERY loud-more like a sharp quack like a duck.

Your water bowels are really just fine. Mine is full grown male and he soaks in a shallow large bowel that I change each and every day. they like to swim better but mine is quite healthy and happy as is. Mine spends about 50% in the water and 50% on land, but the substrate is kept barely moist (bed-a-beast only).

Mine is quite happy in a very large plastic tub that is about 100 gallons. You really don't need an aquarium. If you can't find a plastic storage container that large you can order them off the internet and they will get delivered. But I live in florida and bullfrogs live here so I have no special under the tank heating. during winter i do provide an above the tank heating (night glow lamps). Since they like to hop a 100 gallon container is really ideal.

The male is larger than the female and the male is truly very distinct with very large ears, whereas the female is just a small circle.

He's not as friendly as my other frogs, but he knows who feeds him. He knows how to beg for food, and will stare at me for the longest time until I throw food in there. (yes as I move so will he). needless to say with sorry very innocent big cow eyes, he gets fed A LOT and he's too fat! because I can't resist those cow eyes...

Jade Fox

With proper nutrition, I would expect a bullfrog to live 10-20 yrs. The lifespans of herps are generally underestimated.
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