Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have my budgetts frog estivating in a pail full of eco-earth. SHould I let the substrate dry out completely or moisten it from time to time?

If you moisten it chances are good that it will come out of estivation. Are you wanting to breed it or why do you have it in estivation?

It had stopped eating and I read on the internet that they need to estivate to stay healthy. Apparently they develop respiratory problems if they don't.

The "cocoon" secretion they grow during estivation greatly does increase respiration. But if you aren't trying to breed your frog then estivation can be harmful to your frog. Not to mention that it will burrow into its substrate and you will never see it.

Hi Larry,
You should pick up a copy of deVosjoli's new book about horned frogs, there is a section devoted to budgetts. From what I understand, they estivate most of the year and only seek out water during the breeding season. If you keep the substrate moist, and provide the frog with access to moving water, it may stay out of estivation for longer periods. I have observed these frogs going in and out of estivation on a weekly basis depending on weather cues and probably other environmental things like barometric pressure that are too subtle for us to notice.
Pixie frogs also estivate a good portion of the time if allowed to, yet I have been able to modify their behavior by keping them moist. Budgetts seem to be more difficult for unknown reasons--I would try and fool around with the climate conditions, and then just let the frog do what it wants.

Can you give me the title for this book. Also - I have a pixie frog that is sometimes hibernating sometimes awake. How should I take care of him? Thanks.