We seem to love keeping all creatures big and small – from our furry friends to our scaled reptiles, there’s something out there for everyone. However, what if we turn our attention to pet frogs? What is the best environment for them to live in?
Let’s hop right in and explore frog keeping
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What pet frogs can you keep?
There are hundreds of different types of frogs that you can keep as pets. They tend to be more exotic than the standard British garden frog, so this needs to be reflected in their habitat. Let’s look at two common pet frogs.
I’ve chosen these two as they have different housing requirements due to their natural habitat.
Red Eyed Tree Frog
You will instantly recognise a red eyed tree frog. You can’t get more froggier than this! Green Tree Frogs are native to America and can be found in Florida, as well as other regions within the USA.
The red-eyed tree frog is a striking and visually appealing species, known for its vibrant colours and distinctive features. Their body is light green in colour, with lighter webbed feet and bright red eyes.
Pacman Frog
Pacman frogs are amazing little frogs that make super pets. Aptly named because of their big mouths, similar to Pacman, these frogs are native to South America.
They’re stocky frogs that are actually pretty lazy. They often bury themselves in the dirt and wait for prey to come by before pouncing. They come in a variety of colours, including green, yellow and albino!
What enclosure do pet frogs need?
Depending on which species of frogs you decide to keep will determine what enclosure they require. Tree frogs, as the name suggests, live high up in the tree canopy. Their enclosure in captivity should replicate this as closely as possible, therefore a taller vivarium will be perfect for them to live in.
Pacman frogs are known as a terrestrial species, meaning they are ground dwellers. There would be no point in putting a Pacman frog in a tall vivarium, as the upper space would not be utilised. Pacman frogs require a vivarium with plenty of ground space to explore.
A vivarium that is made from either wood or glass would suit a frog and it should be big enough for the frog to explore their enclosure with adequate space.
A glass vivarium would make an ideal enclosure for a frog as it retains humidity. Humidity levels should remain high, and be maintained between 60% – 80% for pet frogs. This can be tested with the use of a hygrometer, which measures humidity in the air.
There are also fully aquatic frogs that can be kept as pets, and these should be kept in an enclosure similar to a fish tank. This requires a lot more work, such as testing the water and maintaining the tank filter.
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Temperature
Green tree frogs require a higher than average home temperature in the UK and temperatures within the vivarium should reach between 22 – 28 degree’s celsius. Pacman frogs require a similar temperature for their enclosure.
These temperatures can be achieved through the use of a heat mat placed on the side of the vivarium or a heat lamp placed above the enclosure.
An accurate thermometer, such as a laser thermometer, should be used so that the correct temperatures can be achieved.
Substrate
Frogs should have the correct substrate that can hold moisture so that humidity levels are increased. Frogs breathe through their skin and require it to be moist at all times.
Bioactive enclosures are more beneficial for reptile and amphibian owners, and these contain a bioactive substrate which contains insects such as isopods and springtails. These insects are known as the ‘clean up crew’ and will ingest faeces and mould growth. A bioactive enclosure means that the enclosure cleans itself – saving the owner plenty of time!
Bioactive substrate – This is a ‘live’ substrate that maintains your enclosure naturally. It offers a natural aesthetic to the enclosure.
Coconut husk – Originating from shredded coconut husks, this eco-friendly product is excellent at retaining moisture, helping to increase the humidity levels of the enclosure.
Eco earth – There are many different brands that will actually formulate a soil depending on your species of frog. There are lots of options to choose from and can be found in most pet shops.
Decoration and hiding areas
Frogs need plenty of stimulation to explore, jump and hide. Their enclosure should be made as interesting as possible and mimic their natural environment.
Bioactive setups can feature live plants which helps to contribute to a more authentic environment.
Make sure to provide plenty of sticks, logs and hides for your red eyed tree frogs to explore as well as creating lots of tall features for them to climb.
Pacman frogs will likely trample over most plants, but it is important to add them anyway. It may be best to leave the middle section of the enclosure bare and place objects around the outer edge. That way, your Pacman frog can bury themselves in the middle without disturbing the decoration.
Companionship
Pacman frogs do not need companionship and it is likely that a smaller Pacman frog will be eaten by the larger one! It is best not to keep pacman frogs within the same enclosure.
Red eyed tree frogs are social frogs so can be kept in groups. Just ensure that their enclosure is big enough to house more than one frog. Keeping multiple tree frogs in a small enclosure can lead to territorial problems.
Final thoughts on pet frogs
Pet frogs can make fantastic amphibians to care for. They can be a beginner friendly exotic pet for an owner who is wanting to get to grips with caring for amphibians. However, the care of an exotic pet should not be underestimated, so carry out plenty of research before purchasing one.
With frogs being an exotic species, make sure that you know where your closest exotic vets is located. Use our vet finder tool to find your closest exotics practice.
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