Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have constructed a pond for my bullfrogs exclusively. It seems when I put the newly developed frogs in to the pond from the "nursery" they last a couple of days to a week, then die off. I have lost three this way, and don't want to lose anymore! I tested my pond and the kh (carbonate hardness) is -0. I have live bog plants in the pond and try not to disturb the area much as I heard that bullfrogs prefer murky undisturbed areas. I DO have a pump/aerator installed. Also, should I be supplementing their diet or do you think the mosquitos and bugs that land in the water are enough?

Depending on the age of the tads, they could have a hard time eating the bog plants. Bacteria in the pond are probably just breaking down any bugs going into the water, as the first stage of a tadpole’s life is primarily herbivorous.
How old is the tank? If it’s newer I doubt it would have start much algae production, which would provide the staple diet.

Having raised Bullfrog tads indoors myself I used a variety of steamed lettuces as food. You can by them fresh at the store (avoid Iceberg however as it has little nutritional value) Place individual leaves into a Ziploc bag and close it part of the way then pop it into the microwave for 30 seconds. This should make them soft and very easy to eat. However they tend to float making the babies have to swim up to eat exposing them to predation. You can easily rubber band a clip to a rock them clip the leaves to it and place it gently in the water as to not squish any babies.

If you notice that some are still dying off look at their condition and that’ll give you an indication if they are starving out. However with any animal they had so many because some just don’t make it unfortunately.
Anyways I hope this helps, feel free to post any other questions you might have! = D

Dude....,Thats bad! I raise bullfrogs buy even after twelve years,Im still having a hard time getting them from eggs to frog.So,I can tell you how I killed some,and mayby it will help.FIRST They have a very high metabolism.They need to eat alot.You could set them up in a small group in tupperware or something.They love crickets.I have found crickets build them up nicely.They release one or two at a time,see how it goes.If their in good shape and their die'in fast,its the water....most likely.In older settelen ponds stiring the water up can kill them.Some of last years tadpoles are just morphing.They grow right before your eyes.Good luck,let us know how you solve it. Vic......