Make sure your frog is happy and healthy before you even leave the pet store! Look for clear eyes and glossy and appropriate coloration. The easiest road is to start with a healthy pet!
Step 1
Feed your frog. They should generally eat appropriate sized crickets every other day. Occasional calcium dusting on the crickets is necessary for some species. Some frogs enjoy hamburger meat.
Step 2
Keep clean bottled water in a dish big enough for the frog to submerge himself completely. Tap water (even well water) should not be used. Frogs do not drink water; they absorb it through their skin. The chlorine and trace minerals in tap water can poison your frog over time.
Step 3
Clean its home daily if needed. Always remove any dead crickets and feces to prevent any associated parasites.
Step 4
Do some research to be sure you can give it the best care possible. Different species can require very different temperature and humidity levels. Be careful when mixing species because many are willing to eat anything they can fit in their mouth. (Some frogs can't be held by humans; always ask pet store clerk if you can hold them.)
Step 5
Good beginner species include white tree frogs, Cuban tree frogs, green tree frogs, grey tree frogs, fire bellied toads, African clawed frogs, African dwarf frogs, and common toads.
Step 6
Identify the frog. Frogs always need to be identified before you care for them.
Tips
- Many frogs are nocturnal, so an under-tank heat pad, rather than a heat lamp, will generally let your frogs feel more comfortable about coming out during the day.
- It is best not to mix wild caught specimens with captive bred frogs. Even long term captives shouldn't be mixed with wild caught species.
- It is also best not to cross breed frogs. (This means breeding a white tree frog with a horned frog of some type. It is not recommended.) Although it has been successful in the past, most of the offspring were infertile. However, those which were were sold to a private collector for a breeding program.
Warnings
- Do not use harsh chemicals around your frog's tank.
- Do not use tap water for your frog (if you do, use a pet-store bought chlorine remover or distill it).
- Do not feed more crickets than your frog will eat at once. (Crickets are ravenous feeders and if allowed, will eat a hole in your frog.)
- Always wash your hands before and after holding your pet frog, for your health and his/hers.
- Frogs breath through their skin, so do not hold them too tight. It can kill them.
