Before you get a frog, you should do lots of research to decide what type of frog would best suit you. Some things to keep in mind before you get one:

Frogs live a long time in captivity. The average life span is usually 4-15 years, and some can live longer.

Don't expect them to do much. Some small frogs are active, but mostly they don't move around much and sleep all day.

They eat live foods. You need to feed them insects and larger frogs will eat pinkies.

What type of tank will you need? Aquatic, semi-aquatic, terrestrial or arboreal.  Make sure you set up your tank and get all your supplies before you purchase your frog.

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Red-eyed Treefrogs

Do you know why the Red-eyed treefrog (Agalchnis callidryas)has red eyes? It's to startle its predators. These frogs are nocturnal so they sleep during the day. Their red eyes are covered and they blend in with their surroundings. But if something happens to come upon them and they open up their big red eyes, it might scare the predator or startle it long enough for the frog to jump away to safety.

Red-eyed treefrogs are found primarily in Central America. They have a green back and a creamy white underside. Their feet vary from yellow to orange in colour.  And their flanks can be blue or purple.

Adult Size: Males grow to an average 2-2.5 inches in length and females will get to an average 2.5-3 inches long.

Housing: If you want to keep a pair of red-eyed treefrogs you should have a tank that is at least 10 gallons.  Preferably a tall tank to allow them room to climb.  The top of the tank should be half glass and half screen in order to maintain higher humidity levels.

Substrate: You should use a substrate that will help keep the humidity levels up.  Potting soil and sphagnum moss or coconut fibre at least 3-5 inches deep will do well. 

Heating and Lighting: Ideal temperatures for red-eyed treefrogs 75-80F during the day and 70-75F at night. An under-tank heater works very well at maintaining temperatures. UV light has not been proven to be helpful or harmful to these animals, but if your enclosure contains live plants, you should provide some light for them.

Cleaning: The cage should be spot cleaned every week, and completely cleaned every month or two.

Diet: These frogs are carnivores and feed primarily at night.  They will eat crickets, moths, flies, grasshoppers, and sometimes even smaller frogs! Basically, they will eat any insect or food item that they can fit into their mouths. Babies eat mostly fruit flies and pinhead crickets. Crickets should be dusted with calcium.

Vitamins: Vitamins are a beneficial supplement, but don't overdo it. Calcium powder with vitamin D3 can be offered once or twice weekly. Multivitamin powder should be offered once or twice weekly, also. Sprinkle powders onto food.

Water: Make sure you use tap water that has sat for at least 48 hours or spring water. Do not use distilled water as it has no nutrients in it. Regular mistings in the tank will help to keep the humidity levels up. If however, drops of water start to form on the sides of the tank, then the humidity level is too high. Keep a fresh dish of clean water in cage at all times and make sure that it is big enough for them to climb in as it will be used for bathing.

Compatibility: When multiple males are present they may occasionally grapple, the outcome of this activity is usually not serious. However, be ready to intervene and separate the frogs if necessary.

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White's Treefrogs

Also known as the Dumpy Tree Frog or Smiling Frog. They prefer a moist environment but can survive arid conditions by burying themselves in moist soil and surrounding themselves with dead skin and mucus.

White's treefrogs( Litoria caerulea) are found primarily in Indonesia and Australia. Their colour varies from brown, to dark green to bluish green.

Adult Size: Males grow to an average 3 inches in length and females will get to an average 4 inches long.  They can live up to 15 years.

Housing: Because of their size, White's Tree frogs need a larger tank to live in, preferably one that is taller than wider. A minimum 25 gallon aquarium is recommended. Make sure that it has a tight fighting lid ( I found out the hard way)  as their foot pads will help them climb up the side of the tank and escape. Provide lots of branches, large pieces of cork bark, and foliage for climbing - keep in mind that it needs to be quite sturdy to support these stocky frogs. Placing a large piece of bark diagonally across the cage, a couple of inches from the back wall will allow the frog to hang from the back of the tank under the cover of the bark to sleep during the day.

Substrate: Larger pieces of bark, large sized gravel, or soil can be used, and can be covered with sphagnum moss (which will help retain moisture for humidity). Avoid small sized gravel or bark or the frogs may accidentally ingest it. Some people prefer to line the tank with paper or paper towels to facilitate cleaning (it is a bit harder to maintain the appropraite humidity this way, though).

Heating and Lighting: Because these frogs are nocturnal, there are no special lighting requirements, like UVB light. However, a basking light or heater should be provided, outside of the cage, to provide proper temperatures. Ideal ranges for White's treefrogs are 80-86F during the day and 72-78F at night.

Cleaning: The cage should be spot cleaned every week, and completely cleaned every month or two.

Diet: White's Tree frogs are not picky about what they eat.  They will eat anything from mealworms to crickets and pinkies to smaller frogs (even other small White's Tree frogs). How much you feed will depend entirely on your frog. Be careful not to overfeed them as they have a tendency to become overweight. Look for ridges just above the frog's ears. If they are prominent then it is likely the frog is overweight and should be fed less.

Vitamins: Vitamins are a beneficial supplement, but don't overdo it. Calcium powder with vitamin D3 can be offered once or twice weekly. Multivitamin powder should be offered once or twice weekly, also. Sprinkle powders onto food.

Water: Make sure you use tap water that has sat for at least 48 hours or spring water. Do not use distilled water as it has no nutrients in it. Regular mistings in the tank will help to keep the humidity levels up. If however, drops of water start to form on the sides of the tank, then the humidity level is too high. Keep a fresh dish of clean water in cage at all times and make sure that it is big enough for them to climb in as it will be used for bathing.

Compatibility: More than one can be kept in a tank, as long as they are of similar size (otherwise the larger ones may eat the smaller ones).

Handling: White's tree frogs are quite sedentary and docile, and can become fairly tame and tolerate handling.

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