Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone my name is Anthony, I have been keeping and breeding different species of frogs as a hobby now for over 20 years. A few weeks ago my wife made a good point she said, "you have kept every frog except for the ones in the pond". We have a large pond, very large, close to our property, and ive seen many bullfrogs, green frogs etc.... through the years, but the most beautiful has to be the grey treefrog. So this year im going to collect a breeding pair and raise some frogs to relase into the pond. My question is what is the best way to go about collectiing a pair or at least a few so I can ensure I get both sexes. I live in North Western NY close to the lakes, they have been calling for about a week and a half now, and ive seen the large bullfrog tadpoles from last year. So Im aware as to the general location but any tips or hints as to when and where and what to look for from seasoned individuals like yourselves would be very much appreciated, thank you.

Well, I'm no expert, but When I was growing up (only a few years ago I might add) I loved these frogs. I've found them at drainage pit in the breeding season, but over the course of the summer, I would always leave the porch lights on, and you'll get some doing it that way too. I'd suggest going back to that pond you have, that your best bet. Hope that helped out a little.

I haven't actually searched for grays since I was young. Probably a lot longer ago than Bradley. Occasionally when they are calling you may spot them in the trees or bushes. Trees are tough unless you are still nimble enough to climb up after them, but I would do just that. In walking the woods I'll happen across one now and then. Either under rotting logs or boards. The porch light idea may well work. Bugs attract all matter of critters sometimes. Maybe even keep an eye out on the roof of the house. The one I have now I found in the live well of my brother-in-laws boat one day while out fishing. Hope this helps some. Good luck to you.

Quig
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Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself

i live in western NY and usually find them in/under logs around ponds and slow moving creeks. i have found more in and around our shed and in our gutters during clenaing then anywhere else though.
please also remember that it is technically illegal to capture native species of frogs without a fishing or small game licnese or permit from the DEC in NY.

Maybe I'm in the minority here but "why do you need to take them out of the wild?"

Besides it being illegal, you are taking away a potential breeding pair from nature that may produce hundreds or more other frogs. There are already so many other factors that have dwindled the counts down that we don't need to play a part in it. They have been breeding naturally all by themselves and have no need for interference from us. Besides, the stress from being captive will likely stress them out and could kill them not to mention trying to get them to breed you would likely need more than just two of them.

If you really care about them, leave them be. Let many other generations be able to see these same things that you have been able to see. Find a nice CB frog species to keep in your house and enjoy these guys were they are happy.

I understand your points, but in my case catching local wild reptiles and amphibians has been a part of me for about 50 years. It's just what I do every year from spring to fall.I actually moved to where I am now specifically to find eastern hog nosed snakes with the insane idea of trying to protect them. They are concidered by most in this area to be poisonous and therefore feared and killed on site.

I don't keep anything that I can't get to eat within two weeks and I don't keep what I catch late in the fall for fear they won't survive the winter here. In Michigan hibernation is a factor:e.

Also,if they aren't being hunted by the thousands for resale, a few gone missing now and then won't hurt the population. Trust me, that's the last thing I want to see happen.

The Gray I have now is doing quite well. He's fat and sassy. Gets to eat on a regular basis (a couple crickets every other night)and I get the priveledge of listening to his song now and then.

And as a side note, I do catch leagally. A fishing liscense is required to catch frogs and turtles, and I fish, and eat what I catch every year.

Quig
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Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself

First off thank you to everyone who posted help/hints, and to answer the question as to why I have to collect from the wild, im going to have to go with the other poster. I catch wild becuase I have been for 30 years, and as a side note, I do not intend to keep them as pets, after breeding, Im going to let go the adults and raise the brood. When the brood is grown im going to release the little guys back into the pond, I just like watching them grow. I should also point out that I have been keeping and breeding many species of frogs/treefrogs for over 20 years so I know what im doing, thanks guys for your help!!

P.S. I have a fishing License as well as a hunting license.

"...I do not intend to keep them as pets, after breeding, Im going to let go the adults and raise the brood. When the brood is grown im going to release the little guys back into the pond, I just like watching them grow...."

Do what I do and collect about 10 eggs from the pond to hatch and release. Also it is definitely illegal to release any herp into the wild if it has been in captivity for 30 days or near any other herps because of diseases. So if you're going to collect something, you must keep it for it's lifetime or 29 days.

Thank you for your concern I understand your point I really do. But Im not an inexpierenced keeper, I know what Im doing and I have kept many many grays in the past just always CB. I am also well aware as to the process of breeding, but thank you anyway for your concern, your preaching to the choir, I agree with you completely I also have the little guys best interest in mind. Worry not.

I have two grey tree frogs,they are beautiful,i aggree.An easy way to sex greys,is to look at their throats,lighter-female,darker-male.Easy enough,I hope this helps,if you need more,my email is- Soccaplaya13@yahoo.com
I hope This can help you.