Did you know that frogs make rewarding pets for both novice and experienced enthusiasts? Over 7,500 diverse species are available, and many can thrive in captivity, offering unique additions to households.
However, due to the variety of species, grasping their specific care needs is crucial for a successful and fulfilling ownership experience.
Frogs are an important species of the animal kingdom as they are integral in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem.
Let us discuss a few different types of frogs that you can consider as pets.
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Common green frog
The Green frog proves to be an excellent pet, enjoying a contented life filled with activities like:
- Swimming
- Resting
- Hiding
- Eating
Typically adorned in green and/or brown hues with distinctive black dots in the brown section, this frog boasts smooth and moist skin.
Its four-inch body is supported by long, robust legs and large, webbed feet, contributing to its overall charm as a captivating and engaging companion. Green Frog has simple tastes.
They prefer to eat the following:
- Crickets
- Wax worms
- Fly larvae
- Earthworms
- Dog food
- Fish food
- Fruit and vegetables
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Oriental fire-bellied toad
This two-inch semi-aquatic toad boasts a bright green and black back, complemented by a “fire-orange” underbelly. Signaling its toxicity to predators, it secretes a toxic milky substance when startled.
Adorned with typical toad “warts” on its back, it communicates with females through a distinctive bark-like croak, showcasing its unique characteristics.
This carnivorous critter thrives on:
- Live crickets
- Small moths
- Mealworms
Mostly, they rely on visual hunting. To enhance its vibrant colors, occasional snacks of carrot shavings can be a delightful addition to its diet.
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Marine toad
Known as the “Cane Toad,” the Marine Toad is a sizable creature, ranging from four to six inches, with dry, warty, spotted skin in yellowish to gray to olive brown tones.
It possesses poison glands, making it inedible, and its toxicity poses a threat to family pets, emphasizing the importance of avoiding ingestion.
The Marine Toad has an insatiable appetite, devouring living or dead creatures like:
- Rodents
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Birds
- Plants
- Dog food
- Household trash
Unconcerned with chewing, it swallows food whole.
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Egyptian toad
The Egyptian Toad, standing out with green spots and reaching a manageable size of 3 to 4 inches, is an ideal terrarium pet.
Native to Egypt and widespread in wet areas across Africa, these toads have a lifespan of around ten years. Handling is best done with latex gloves due to the sensitivity of their skin to human oils and potential skin toxins.
The Egyptian toad enjoys crickets, insects, and worms’ diet, exhibiting an active hunting style rather than relying on passive waiting. This proactive approach distinguishes them from their less energetic toad counterparts.
Frog handling
Handling frogs, regardless of size or age, should be minimized as their delicate slime layer and skin can be harmed with aggressive handling.
The smaller the frog, the less tolerance it has for handling. The mucous layer serves as a protective barrier against pathogens.
Prioritize handwashing before and after handling any frog with moistened hands to prevent skin dryness.
Given the potential for salmonella transmission, thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent infection after interacting with frogs.
