Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I work at a petstore and they have a white's tree frog and I was contemplating getting it. I have 2 reasons for this...

1.) A couple of weeks ago was the first time I ever had a tree frog crawl on my arm. They are the most surreal creatures I have yet to see. They are so bizarre when they walk. It is interesting.

2.) I have many snakes(and a leopard gecko). This is the bad part that some of you might get mad at me for, For I will soon have some baby snakes that need to eat. These snakes are amazon tree boas. Now, I would not feed the frog to the snakes! Never! But, I have to feed the snakes baby mice, and in the wild they would eat frogs as babies... So I would scent the baby mice with the tree frog. No harm done to the frog... but a gentle rub on the back. Sorry, if that seems sick to anyone...

Anyway... I have never had an amphibian before, All though I do know basic maintence. I want to know locality of these frogs, and proper care if possible. Thanks alot in advance!
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Starkey
Mystic Eye

Go to www.allaboutfrogs.org

Hello. I'll post a link below to my site for a caresheet on WTFs. But, if you are getting a frog as a pet, you should know they are not handleable pets. Some will tolerate it but most are stressed from it and it can result in numerous problems. The rubbing of the mice on a frog would be a stress as well, needless to say that a frog's skin absorbs any and everything that touches it so rubbing the mouse on his skin is like putting it in your mouth - except that some substances could be toxic to your frog that wouldn't hurt you as much. Not a good idea in my opinion. And, no, it's not because I'm against feeding one animal to another - I have a juvi boa myself, which also lets me know the kind of funk that can be on a mouse. So if you wanna frog to have a cool pet - which they are - then no harm so long as you know how to care for him. But if you want him to scent your mice with, you don't need him. Hope this helps!

www.froggie.info

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Happy Frogging!!!

~Becki~

Thank you so much for the info.. I did not know they were that sensitive. I guess my tree boas will need to have thier mice scented with green anoles. Oh well.. I am too amazed and intriqued by how cool this frog is. I have some questions on set up though.

I was going to put it in an upright 10 gallon, but after research realized that would not be suitable with his lifestyle. So, I got a 20 gallon Long and put it up right. So, there is not much terrestrial space.. but lots of verticle. He/she has 3 large sticks in the tank pointing upward and pretty large water bowl and a small plant. The bedding is an orchid bark/bed-a-beast substrate with spanish moss everywhere. It is pretty humid in there but will dry out quickly due to the screen lid.

Is this ok? I am thinking about putting the 20 gallon down so I could make it look nicer and give him some more room to walk around in. Also, I would hate it if the cage tipped over.

And about handleing... No? Im learning about thier super absorbent skin... If I need to move him around should i wear a glove?

Thanks again in advance... I will have pics soon.
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Starkey
Mystic Eye

From what I understand, having the tank upright will be best. They don't go to the ground often so he doesn't need floor space. And as for handling, you can handle him/her as needed when doing cleanings and such just wash your hands good with hot water, but don't use anti-bacterial soap (it's harmfull to the frog) you can just use the water then follow with a rinse using the treated water and leave your hands wet. (their skin is kind of thin and wet hands won't tear the skin)
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Heather

how much vertical space has your tank got? everything sounds good, keep one adult in a 20 gal. make sure they have plenty of hide spots.
there is heaps more info on my site.
http://luke_zecevic.tripod.com/frogsofaustralia

luke z

She is a gorgeous little girl! You must an amateur photographer because your take some nice pictures.

thanx knot!!!!

i use a camera from my high school. i am planning to buy my own soon.

luke z

How old are you by the way? I'm turning 27 this october.

i am 17 and i have a "girl friend", i will soon be getting some litoria chloris.

luke z

hmm... it is probally 36" high... 18" deep and 18" wide...

and thanks again for your guy's help!
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Starkey
Mystic Eye

I don't know how readily available tanks are for you but if you caould swap the 20L for a 20T it'd be perfect for him. If not, leaving it vertical or turning it back is up to you - if vertical, little ground space, if horizontal, little vertical space. It sounds like you could use some more plants - live or fake both are fine. If you're using live plants, they must be removed fromt he dirt they are bought in, washed roots and al to remove all the dirt and little white balls then replanted in safe soil and allowed to grow for 6 weeks outside of the tank before being added for the frog. This allows the plant to "grow free" of all pesticides and fertilzers which are absorbed into their stems and leaves and can also be absorbed by the frogs skin. You should also have background on 3 sides of the tank. As far as handling, rinse your hands for a good while in hot water to remove any dirt, oils, etc. If you use soap, many can leave behind a residue which isn't good. Then dry thoroughly and dampen your hands with treated water before handling your frog. Some people do wear gloves but it isn't a necessity as long as your hands are clean and moist. Also wash your hands after handling them as well. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any further questions you may have: on here, by e-mail or at the link below.
A Great Froggie Place

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Happy Frogging!!!

~Becki~