Pet frog
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Green tree frogs are one of the most popular pet frogs.
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[edit] Handling
When keeping green tree frogs, it is important to remember that the frogs need a roomy, clean terrarium with high humidity. Captive frogs should not be handled any more than necessary. Regular handling is stressful and unhealthy for amphibians, as the chemicals in human skin can be detrimental to them. Anyone keeping green tree frogs or other amphibians needs to understand that they are living creatures, not toys. The frogs should be viewed in the same fashion as aquarium fish: they are for display only.
[edit] Home
A small group of green tree frogs (1-3) can be housed in a 15-gallon tall aquarium set up as a terrarium and covered with a screen lid. Cover the bottom of the terrarium with 2-3 inches of organic potting soil, topsoil or ground coconut fibers. 2-3 inches of sphagnum moss placed over a 1-inch layer of rinsed pea gravel also works well as a substrate for these frogs. Avoid substrates that contain chemical fertilizers, as these can poison the frogs if they come into contact with it. Keep the substrate in the terrarium moist at all times.
The frogs will benefit from having live plants in their terrarium. Pothos are an excellent choice to tree frog terrariums. Pothos can be left in pots, grown in jars of water or planted directly into soil on the bottom of the terrarium. The plants will provide the frogs with places to perch and will help maintain high humidity. Green tree frogs thrive best at humidity levels around 75%; spray the terrarium once or twice a day using a plant mister filled with pure water to help maintain appropriate humidity levels. Do not use water containing chlorine or heavy metals, as these chemicals can soak into the frogs and kill them. Water should be provided in a shallow non-metal bowl on the bottom of the terrarium. Water in this bowl should be changed often. The frog is very sensitive.
[edit] Temperature
Green tree frogs thrive in a temperature range of 68-75°F. Do not allow the terrarium to get too hot. If supplemental heating is required, a low-wattage incandescent light can be placed over one end of the terrarium to provide heat (the 25-watt colored light bulbs sold in department stores are ideal). Use a thermometer to measure the temperature inside the terrarium. Full-spectrum fluorescent lights can be placed over the terrarium to provide light for plants. Ultraviolet lighting is not needed.
[edit] Diet
Captive green tree frogs should be offered small crickets, waxworms and silkworms. If offering crickets, feed them chicken mash or dry rodent food to ensure the crickets' bodies are rich in nutrients. This should be done at least 12 hours before offering the crickets to the frogs. Adult green tree frogs will eat 2-4 small crickets every other day; young animals should be fed pinhead crickets and other tiny insects on a daily basis. It may be helpful to dust the insects with a vitamin/mineral supplement at every other feeding.
