tolerate handling well and interaction should be kept
to a minimum. If a frog needs to be moved, ensure
hands are thoroughly washed and dampened.
Alternatively, latex gloves can also be used.
Nutrition.
Frogs are insectivorous, consuming a wide range of
invertebrates in the wild. The frequency of feeds and
amount of food offered will be determined by the size
and age of the frog. Young frogs should be fed daily,
but less often as they mature. Adults should be fed
every 2-3 days. As frogs are generally nocturnal, a
good time to feed is in the afternoons or evenings.
Frogs can either be fed using tongs, or removed and
placed into a designated secure ‘feeding tub’ to
prevent uneaten insects hiding in a densely planted
enclosure.
A varied diet of captive-bred insects can be used
including crickets, Black Soldier Fly larvae, silk-
worms and woodies. Crickets and woodies must be
coated in a vitamin and calcium supplement before
being offered to the frogs. For large tree frogs, the
occasional pinkie mouse can be given as a treat,
however if consumed regularly this can lead to
obesity. Mealworms should also be offered
infrequently due to their limited nutritional value and
difficulty in digestion.
Species Recommendations.
There are many frogs that can be legally kept in
Australia, however species lists vary between states.
Some species may even be housed together if they
are of compatible size and have similar environ-
mental requirements. Specific temperatures, levels
of moisture/humidity and enclosure designs will vary
between species, so make sure you tailor these
factors to the species you decide to keep.
Some of the most readily-available and common frog
species include Green Tree Frogs (Litoria caerulea),
Magnificent Tree Frogs (Litoria splendida), Red-eyed
Tree Frogs (Litoria chloris), White-lipped Tree Frogs
(Litoria infrafrenata), Blue Mountains Tree Frogs
(Litoria citropa), Peron’s Tree Frogs (Litoria peronii)
and Striped Marsh Frogs (Limnodynastes peronii).
With relatively straightforward maintenance require-
ments and their unique and engaging personalities,
frogs make an amazing addition to any herper’s
collection. A truly spectacular and enriching display
can be established, adding to their appeal. There is
a variety of captive-bred species readily available in
the hobby and a wealth of information on their care
and maintenance. So why not take the ‘leap’ and
‘hop’ in to the world of frog keeping today?
Above left: Green Stream Frogs (Litoria
phyllochroa). Image by Jake Lewis.
Left: the author’s own bioactive frog enclosure.
Image by Ben Dessen.
Kellyville
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