[The picture is from chewy,the copyright belongs to the original author]

Lots of people keep pet frogs now, especially terrestrial frogs. They’re easier to raise than arboreal frogs. Some arboreal frogs, like the Huaxi frog, don’t cost much. Most arboreal frogs are a bit more expensive. They’re like the “luxury items” among frogs.

Terrestrial frogs live on the ground. They like staying on the ground or damp spots. They’re usually round and lazy. They’re not good at climbing trees. Small frogs like the rainbow burrowing frog have suckers on their feet. They can climb a little. Most terrestrial frogs don’t like climbing.

Some frogs, like horned frogs, like digging holes underground to hide. Their hind legs are strong. They can jump well. They can hide fast. Some of these frogs like water. They still need land. When keeping them, don’t let them stay in water too long. This is true especially for African species like the bubble-nest frog. Staying in water all the time might make them sick.

[The picture is from Outforia,the copyright belongs to the original author]

Things to Note When Keeping Terrestrial Frogs:

Setting Up the Environment:

Terrestrial frogs get used to new places easily. Frogs like horned frogs are easy to keep. Temperature and humidity need to be right. Setting up their environment still needs care. Many sellers keep horned frogs in shallow water. This is wrong. It’s not good for the frogs after a while.

The water-cotton method is the most common way to keep frogs. It’s simple. It works well. Line the bottom of the container with a layer of biochemical cotton. Add water next. The water level shouldn’t be higher than the cotton’s thickness. This makes dry and wet areas. Frogs can stay on land or go into water. Many frogs get used to this method fast. Clean and change the water often. Do this once every one or two days. Use purified water or tap water that’s been left out. Frog skin is very sensitive. Don’t use tap water directly.

You’re worried about edema? Cut a hole in the water-cotton. Put a water basin there. This separates water and land completely. It makes humidity easier to control.

The soil-keeping method is good for frogs that like digging, like horned frogs. It has bad points too. Frogs might bury themselves fully in the soil. You might not see them clearly. You like watching frogs move? This method might not be for you.

When using soil, don’t make the layer too thick. It should cover the frog’s body completely. It needs to stay at a steady humidity. Change the soil often. Every two weeks to a month is best.

The sphagnum moss method is like the soil-keeping method. It uses sphagnum moss instead of soil. Sphagnum moss soaks up water well. It keeps moisture in. It’s easier to take care of. The bad point is it doesn’t absorb moisture or waste well. You need to check and clean it more often.

You like trying new things? You can use the ecological landscaping method too. This builds a small “ecosystem” for the frogs. It’s not just for the frogs. It looks nice too. Terrestrial frogs like digging. They might mess up your “landscape.” This method is better for people who enjoy setting up environments themselves.

Choosing Food:

Terrestrial frogs usually eat meat. They love live small animals. You’re feeding with tweezers? Move slowly toward the frog’s mouth. Don’t just put food right in front of them. They might not see it.

Frogs’ feeding frequency depends on their size. Young frogs are fed every two to three days. Adult or sub-adult frogs can be fed every five to seven days. You can choose live feed or artificial feed.

Mealworms: They’re the cheapest and most common live feed. They’re not very nutritious. They should only be treats. Don’t use them as main food for a long time.

Superworms: They’re a bit more expensive than mealworms. They’re very active. Frogs can catch them easily. The bad point is superworms bite hard. They might hurt the frog’s stomach.

Cherry cockroaches: They’re good for small frogs or young frogs. They’re the right size. They have thin shells. Frogs can digest them easily. Be careful though. They crawl very fast. They escape? They might cause problems.

Dubia cockroaches: People think they’re the best live feed. They’re high in protein. They’re easy to digest. They don’t escape easily. The only bad point is they grow slowly.

Artificial feed is another option instead of live feed. There are many special frog feeds on the market. Some might have side effects. Some frogs might get bloated or have diarrhea after eating them. Use with care. You want to try? Buy a small package first. See how the frog reacts.

[The picture is from petsonbroadway,the copyright belongs to the original author]

Managing Humidity:

Humidity is very important for frogs’ health. Different frog species need different humidity levels. Most need 70% to 90% humidity. You can adjust humidity by spraying dechlorinated water every day. You can put a shallow water bowl too. Water will evaporate. It will moisten the environment. Use a hygrometer to check humidity. Keep the environment stable.

Controlling Temperature:

Frogs’ habitats need different temperature zones. The cool area and night temperature should stay around 20°C. The warm area shouldn’t go above 27°C. High temperatures, especially over 27°C, might harm the frogs. Keep temperature right. Use at least two thermometers to monitor it all the time.

Lighting Requirements:

Terrestrial frogs don’t need ultraviolet (UV) light to live. Proper UV exposure helps their health and behavior though. Use a low-intensity UVB bulb (like 2.0 or 5.0). It encourages natural behavior. Pair it with a low-wattage incandescent bulb. Keep a 10 to 12-hour day-night light cycle. The light shouldn’t be too bright. Provide places for frogs to hide from light. They can avoid it when needed. This mimics their natural environment.

Controlling Noise:

Frogs are very sensitive to environmental noise. Too much noise can make them nervous. It can change their behavior. Keep frog habitats away from noisy places, like next to TVs, stereos, or air conditioners. Avoid outside disturbances in the habitat. Other pets (like cats, dogs) might scare frogs. They might cause stress. Prevent this. Put the habitat in a quiet spot. Keep it away from other pets. You’re using an open-top container or glass tank? Choose one with a lid. It keeps frogs from being affected by the outside. It also stops them from escaping.

Interaction Requirements:

Some frogs like being with others. They like living with other frogs of the same or different species. Provide enough space and hiding spots. This reduces conflicts. For some species, add multiple water areas or dry-wet areas. They can choose where to live. You’re keeping multiple frogs? Make sure the habitat is big enough. This avoids competition from lack of space.

Regular Cleaning:

Keeping the habitat clean is key for frogs’ health. Clean substrate, decorations, water dishes, and water often. This stops bacteria growth. Change substrate and water quality from time to time. Do a thorough cleaning and disinfection. This is especially important if you notice frog health issues. Use non-toxic, safe cleaners during disinfection. This avoids leaving harmful substances that could hurt frogs.

Frogs have a fragile mucus layer on their skin. Their skin is delicate overall. Try to touch them as little as possible. ¹Touching can cause accidental injuries. It can bring unnecessary stress. Smaller frogs handle being touched even worse. You’re going to touch or hold a frog? Make sure your hands are clean first. Wash with unscented soap. Keep hands damp. This avoids drying out the frog’s skin. After touching, wash hands with antibacterial soap. This stops pathogens like Salmonella from spreading. It reduces risks to the frog’s health.

Source:

[1] Knowanimals:Can I Touch Frogs in the UK? Safety, Laws & Wildlife Advice

Reference:

[1]Chewy： “The 7 Best Frogs To Keep as Pets”

[2]Petco： “Master Terrestrial Frog Care: Habitat, Diet & Health Secrets”