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Suggestions for first time frog

OldGoalie915 Apr 10, 2004 07:29 PM

Hello everyone,

I am looking for suggestions for a first time frog. I have had several snakes in my life (currently have two 7 month old Blood Red Corns)but never a frog.

My son (6 yr old) really wants one badly, and I thought it would be nice to have a frog as well.

Since I know almost ZIPPO about frogs I figured this would be a good place to get some suggestions. I am looking for something colorful, small, not to difficult to keep. Is there a frog that fits that description? If it isn't small then just colorful and not difficult to keep is fine.

THanks for your help and suggestions. Also is there a reputable place I could purchase online? I have looked through the ads, just curious about peoples experiences

Ralph Barker
OldGoalie915

Replies (6)

Goblin-Gecko14 Apr 10, 2004 07:34 PM

If you want something colorful try a Red Eye Tree Frog or an Ornate Horned Frog. Go to Petco.com and get caresheets for them.

JadeFox Apr 14, 2004 10:58 PM

These frogs can go down FAST if conditions are not exactly right, and like any pet you must get its feces examined by a vet (bring in only fresh feces).

You must purchase small crickets for these frogs (chances are one will have to buy a baby or juvenile RETF).

Because of the additional care required for RETFs I do NOT recommend this for a beginner.

Get a pacman frog! Those are not only simple to care for, they are indeed very hardy durable frogs!! White's treefrog is also easy and awesome. I had excellent luck with running red-leg treefrogs. Had one for 5 years now and is healthy as a horse!

JadeFox

hsuansterz Apr 11, 2004 01:18 AM

I would check out the fire-bellied toads. They are often found in pet shops and are quite active compared to the horned frog (pacman). Good luck!
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::hsuANsTerZ::

johnnyblazekfd Apr 11, 2004 08:56 AM

I would guess that a Fire belly toad would be best at keeping your childs interest. They are more active than most. Pacmans are nice but are not very active so are not much for excitement other than feeding time, which is about the only time they move.
I would prob. go with firebellies for your kid.

kich4theanswer Apr 13, 2004 09:06 AM

A Green Tree Frog or a Fire Belly Toad are prolly your best bet for a 6 year old because they are very easy to care for. A red Eyed Tree Frog is way to hard for an unexperienced frog keeper let alone a 6 year old! Anouther good frog could be the packman, but they do get big and will require about a 30 gal. when at adult size. The good thing with green tree frogs is you can keep them in colonys to if you have a ten gal. high (which is your best bet) you can house about 6 or 7 or even more. Good Luck!

-paul

pitcherplant7 Apr 13, 2004 11:35 AM

Out of all common frogs, dwarf frogs, clawed frogs, whites treefrogs, gray and green treefrogs, and firebellies are the best.

Dwarf frogs are the easiest anuran of all, and they can be kept with fish. Unfortunately, not all will except fish food, and you may need to buy frozen bloodworms and shrimp. Keep them away from aggressive fish.
Clawed frogs are wonderful, and by far better. African clawed frogs go into feeding frenzies and use their claws and rip prey apart if its too large. They will eat non living food and dig for morsels in the substrate. They are intelligent frogs, and can respond to sounds when its time to feed. Everytime I turn off my filter or tap on the glass, my frog comes to the top. Skippy also responds to the sound of splashing water. With enough time, they may even respond and sit in your hand near the top of the tank! They are active, especially in the evenings and swim gracefully. Males also have an interesting call that is VERY LOUD, but is pleasant to here. They do a cool mating dance and do loopty loops when they breed. Unfortunately, they need the largest aquarium possible. They are also very good at escaping, and difficult to restrain if out of the water. They are also poor candidates for beginners wanting to "decorate" as they are incredibly strong and uproot everything, even rearranging rocks. But they are hardy enough to be kept in a pond during the summer, as long as you bring them in when temperatures drop to 40 degrees and don't ever let them escape. They can range from ugly and weird, to adorable and have a similar appearance to Legs, the Beanie Baby frog! Their coloration, although shades of brown, is incredibly decorative and handsome.

green and gray treefrogs are good. Although less active during the day, they are very active in the evening. They are cute and very hardy. They are not destructive, and can be kept in nicely planted tanks.

Dumpies, or whites treefrogs are awesome. They are pretty inactive, but are very hardy, cute, and easily tamed. If you're a photographer, they are the best frog to take out and photograph (just don't do it all the time to cause stress) Although massive, they can be kept in some nicely planted terrariums with care.

Firebellied toads are great, except when they turn a yucky olive green. They are not destructive, hardy, and handsomely colored. They make a barking call, and pretty active. However, don't believe that they are 100% diurnal. Sometimes they may stay in the back all day, and then come out right after the lights go off. It goes in cycles, but they still provide lots fun, especially when they hump each other and nearly drown one another!

pitcherplant7

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