Keeping frogs as pets can be very rewarding, but it’s important to do your research before bringing one home. Some species are much more challenging to care for than others. When considering the difficulty level of various pet frog species, there are a few main factors to take into account:
– Housing requirements – What size enclosure does the species need? Does it require highly specific temperature, lighting, and humidity levels? More demanding habitat parameters make a frog harder to care for.
– Dietary needs – Is the frog’s diet readily available or do you need to culture live foods? Some have very specialized diets that can be tricky to provide in captivity.
– Health concerns – Certain species are prone to health issues and may need vet care. Species that get stressed easily can decline rapidly.
– Availability – Rarer species can be hard to find and expensive to purchase. Popular pet frogs are typically easier and more affordable to obtain.
– Handling – Does the frog tolerate handling or is it easily stressed? Skittish and delicate frogs require more careful handling.
By evaluating these factors, you can determine which frog species are beginner-friendly and which are best left to more advanced keepers. When starting out, it’s generally wise to choose a hardy, forgiving amphibian until you gain experience caring for these unique creatures.
Most Challenging Frog Species
Below are 5 of the most difficult frogs to keep as pets based on their demanding care requirements:
Pixie Frog
The massive pixie frog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) is native to Africa and can grow up to 7 inches long. These voracious eaters require quite large enclosures with deep substrate to burrow in. Maintaining the proper temperature gradient and humidity range is critical but challenging with such a sizable habitat. They are prone to health issues if conditions are not ideal. Pixie frogs have a reputation for being nippy and fast when food is offered. Their substantial size and strength warrant very careful and experienced handling.
Tomato Frog
Native to Madagascar, tomato frogs (Dyscophus sp.) are another very large frog species reaching sizes over 4 inches. They are semi-aquatic and require a paludarium setup with ample water volume. Tomato frogs are prone to fungal and bacterial skin infections if conditions are not pristine. Their appetite can be picky and getting them to accept a proper variety of foods like crickets, worms, and small fish can require patience. Their large size also makes tomato frogs a hands-off type of pet.
Mantella Poison Frogs
The vibrantly colored Mantella frogs of Madagascar are highly sought after but quite challenging captives. They have very specific temperature and humidity requirements that can be difficult to provide without advanced equipment like misters and chillers. Mantellas are insectivores but only accept very small live foods like pinhead crickets and fruit flies. Availability is limited and cost is high. They are incredibly toxic and handling is not recommended.
Vietnamese Mossy Frog
Mossy frogs (Theloderma corticale) inhabit cold, fast-moving mountain streams in Vietnam. Replicating the conditions of their natural habitat at home is exceptionally difficult. They require cool water in the 60s F, moderate airflow, high humidity, dim lighting, and a large elaborate setup with land and water areas. Mossy frogs are sensitive to water quality and temperature changes. Finding suitable small foods like spiders and insects can also be an obstacle.
Amazon Milk Frog
From the Amazon rainforests, these large arboreal frogs are challenging to house properly. They require very tall, humid vivariums with ample climbing space and water sources. Amazons (Trachycephalus resinifictrix) have sensitive permeable skin that is prone to dehydration and infections. Their wild diets of arthropods, snails, worms must be closely replicated in captivity. Obtaining healthy, tank-raised animals is difficult and the cost is prohibitive for most hobbyists.
Best Beginner Frog Species
Here are 5 easier and more recommended frogs for first-time keepers:
| Species | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| African Dwarf Frog | – Small fully aquatic frogs – Peaceful community fish tank residents – Readily eat prepared frog pellets |
| Fire-Bellied Toad | – Moderate size terrestrial frogs – Docile, easily handled – Thrive in basic habitat |
| White’s Tree Frog | – Hardy, forgiving of some errors – Tolerates moderate handling – Eats crickets, worms, commercial diets |
| PacMan Frog | – Terrestrial, reaches 5 inches length – Eats mice, crickets, worms – Low maintenance setup |
| American Green Tree Frog | – Active hardy species – Accepts crickets, flies, worms – Does well in simple enclosure |
These frogs are commonly recommended for beginners because they are relatively affordable, widely available, have more modest housing requirements, and are less prone to health issues when basic care guidelines are followed. They are generally heartier, more resilient, and more forgiving of some husbandry mistakes that inevitability occur when gaining experience. Their more moderate sizes and less delicate nature also make them more suitable choices for handling.
Setup, Supplies & Care Tips
To successfully keep pet frogs, there are some key supplies you’ll need to obtain and care guidelines to follow:
1. Enclosure
The habitat for your frog should be appropriately sized, escape-proof, and designed to meet the species’ preferences. Terrestrial frogs need more land space while arboreal tree frogs need more vertical climbing space. Aquatic species need ample water volume. Be sure to include hiding areas, plants, branches, rocks, and other decor.
2. Substrate
Use an appropriate substrate like coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, cypress mulch, or aquarium gravel. Depth and moisture retention are factors. Make sure substrate won’t be accidentally ingested when feeding.
3. Heating & lighting
Provide adequate lighting on 12-14 hour cycles. Use UVB lighting for diurnal frogs. For tropical species, provide both an under tank heating pad to create a temperature gradient and an overhead bulb/ceramic heat emitter for ambient temperatures. Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor conditions.
4. Humidity
Maintain proper humidity levels for your frog’s species requirements. Lower ventilation, misting systems, water features, and substrates that hold moisture can help. Use a hygrometer to track humidity.
5. Filtration & water
For aquatic frogs, use a strong filter rated for at least twice the water volume. Perform partial water changes routinely. Use water conditioner to dechlorinate tap water.
6. Food
Provide an appropriate diet of crickets, worms, flies, small fish, or commercial diets. Follow proper supplementation schedules with calcium, vitamins, etc. Feed based on age and size. Remove uneaten food to keep water clean.
7. Quarantine
Quarantine all new frogs in a separate tank for 30-90 days before introducing them to other pets to prevent disease transmission.
8. Health monitoring
Monitor appetite, activity levels, and body condition. Weigh frogs periodically. Be alert to potential health issues like fungal infections. Provide vet care as needed.
With the right setup and husbandry care, most pet frogs can thrive for many years in captivity. Always do ample research before selecting a new frog to bring home. Start with hardier, beginner-friendly species while learning proper pet frog care. Ask other hobbyists for advice. With experience, you’ll be ready to keep more advanced, sensitive frog species successfully.