A Set-up Guide for Your New Tree Frog

Five things to know about your tree frog

• Tree frogs can live up to 15 years, depending on the variety
• Green tree frogs grow up to 3inches, other types grow up to 5 inches
• Their mating calls can be very loud
• The sticky disks on their feet allow them to scale walls
• They’re low maintenance and make great first-time pets

Your tree frog’s home

Most tree frogs can share a terrarium with frogs of roughly the same size or tropical lizards, such as anoles. Cuban tree frogs, however, prefer to live alone.

Your little amphibians will need a terrarium that’s at least 10-gallons and relatively tall, because tree frogs love to climb. Be sure the terrarium has a screened lid. Did we mention that tree frogs love to climb?

Decorating your frogs’ habitat

• Line the bottom of the terrarium with 2 to 3 inches of coconut-fiber or bark bedding. Scoop the poop at least once a week and change the bedding completely once a month.
• Provide loads of live or artificial branches for climbing and froggy acrobatics.

Heat & lights

• Tree frogs are nocturnal. They don’t require sunlight, but they do need lighting that mimics a day and night cycle in their habitat. If they’re in a dim room, light the terrarium for 12 hours daily with a fluorescent bulb.
• At night, switch to a night-specific bulb so you can watch your frog with minimum disturbance.
• Your frog’s terrarium temperature must be kept between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and 65 F to 75 F at night. If necessary, use a heat bulb or a night-specific heat lamp for warmth. A thermometer at each end of the tank will help you monitor the temperature.
• Keep the habitat humidity between 50% and 80%. Use a hygrometer — a device that measures humidity — to keep track.

Help keep your tree frog healthy

Tree frogs need supplemental Vitamin D in their diets.

Try not to handle new frogs for three or four days to give them a chance acclimate to their new surroundings. Whether your frog is new or settled-in, be sure to contact a vet if you notice any of these symptoms of illness or distress:

• More time spent hiding
• Eating or drinking less; weight loss
• Discolored skin
• Swollen joints
• Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
• Runny droppings for more than two days

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