Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi.

I am building a pond in the near future and would like to ask the group a few questions concerning frogs.

I would like to have some frogs in the pond but I'm not sure where I can buy frogs that are free of disease. I know for instance, that the chytrid fungus has become very common these days, with many frogs and toads dying from it. Does anyone know of a reliable supplier of HEALTHY FROGS? And, are Green Frogs also available from suppliers?

As for the pond, what is the minimum depth it could be in order for frogs to overwinter in the northeast?

Thanks for the help.

As far as frogs go, the best choice is to find a pet r fish store around and ask for bullfrog tadpoles, they would be cheaper and are less likley to carry disease. i dont know about the depth question though.

Tadpoles and bullfrogs are documented carriers of chytrid and I would recommend against the movement (or purchase of these frogs)and the release into the enviroment. The pet trade has now been implicated as a current potential major method of transport of chytrid with chytrid being documented in animals at importers and in multiple species (to date including but not limited to Bolitoglossa, Dendrobatids, and Caecilians both in the USA and Europe).
Visual inspection of the tadpoles or the frogs will not allow the ability to determine if the animals have chytrid. Skin scrapings will work if the disease is full blown (but before death) but a PCR test is probably the best route.
If there are green or bull frogs locally near you, the building of the pond will attract them as they can see the polarized light reflecting off the water and will migrate towards it. Or if it is legal you can comply with the state laws and capture and move the frogs found within a couple miles of you to the pond. I would not suggest moving frogs more than that as there is an increased chance of the movement of rana and iridioviruses that can kill susceptiable amphibians, reptiles, fish and insects.

Ed

Documented in bullfrogs in breeding facilities worldwide.

Ed

Hi Ed,

Thank you for the information and the advice.

Last year, I had 2 American Toads die from chytrid. These toads where raised from tadpoles, which were caught about 40 miles from my home. They lived about a year before they both fell to the disease. You actually helped me to identify chytrid, as I was searching for their cause of death.
After doing some research of my own, I discovered how widespread this fungus actually is. It is quite alarming!

A few questions:

Are there certain species of frogs that are LESS likely to be affected by the chytrid fungus?

Where do zoos obtain their frogs and toads? Do they have a reliable supplier, or do they simply screen their specimens for diseases before added them to the zoo population? Or both?

What about the depth of the pond? What's the minimum depth for frogs that overwinter under water?

Also, I notice that many Green & Bullfrogs live in very shllow ponds. Some ponds no more than 2 feet deep. Is it possible for them to overwinter in these ponds? Or do they overwinter in deeper bodies of water and simply spend the spring & summer months in the shallow ponds?

Thanks very much.

snip "Are there certain species of frogs that are LESS likely to be affected by the chytrid fungus?"

Yes, bullfrogs are one of them which is why they can act as carriers however there are mass mortalities associated with chytrid infection in bullfrogs at frog farms.

"Where do zoos obtain their frogs and toads? Do they have a reliable supplier, or do they simply screen their specimens for diseases before added them to the zoo population? Or both?"

They are screened within a quarantine period and treated if necessary. One of the best things Zoos have is that necropsies are performed on dead animals allowing for checks for chytrid and other problems. Critically endangered species that are very susceptiable for chytrid (such as Bufo baxteri) may be treated prophylactically before transfers between institutions.

Snip "What about the depth of the pond? What's the minimum depth for frogs that overwinter under water?"

It depends on the frost line. The frogs need to be able to stay within a zone that ranges around 45-55 F and does not go anoxic or anaerobic.

Snip "Also, I notice that many Green & Bullfrogs live in very shllow ponds. Some ponds no more than 2 feet deep. Is it possible for them to overwinter in these ponds? Or do they overwinter in deeper bodies of water and simply spend the spring & summer months in the shallow ponds?"

It could be both or either scenario as the frogs can see polarized light and move from one water source to another. For example I stuck a wading pool in the back for the dogs along with some fish to prevent mosquito buildup and frogs showed up in about two days. This year I temporarily stashed some pond plants in it before setting up a bog and had grey tree frogs calling from it.

Ed

Thanks very much, Ed. Very informative, as usual.

Raz