Frog FAQs

There are many frequently asked questions about frogs. There are so many, in fact, that there isn't enough room on my blog to cover all of them! However, I will cover the most common ones. If you have any FAQs about frogs, feel free to leave a comment about it (I check regularly!).

What should I feed my frogs?
Many frogs eat live insects, but some eat dead ones. Frogs will eat mealworms, crickets, waxworms and grasshoppers.

What should I do if my frog won't eat?
If you feed your frog live food, it's very possible that your frog is eating, but you just aren't seeing it. However, if you're positive that your frog won't eat, he is probably indicating an illness. When the frog recovers, the appetite returns. You can try to hand-feed your frog or force-feeding him if he won't eat. This can be done by putting your thumb on the top of the frog's head and the index finger under his mouth. Gently pry open his mouth using a Q-tip, then clamp his mouth around it. With a pair of tweezers, grab an insect and gently open the frog's mouth again. Pull the Q-tip out (you may have to set down the tweezers) and put the worm in. The frog should swallow it. Remember, this procedure should only happen if you're absolutely desperate to feed your frog! Frogs DON'T like to be handled. In case your frog is sick, always rinse your hands before and wash them afterwards!

How long do frogs live?
This depends on the type of frog you own and how well he has been cared for. If you are lax in cleaning his tank and caring for him, chances are that he probably won't live a very long life. A well-cared-for frog will probably live longer than one who is ignored.

Do frogs shed?
Yes, all frogs shed (even aquatic ones)! Frogs can look quite alarming when they are shedding...but don't panic! They look like they are bloating, coughing, stretching, sneezing and trying to take off an invisible sweater. In spite of this, they are only trying to stretch out of their old skin. Sometimes shedding is confused with skin disease, but shedding is a natural occurence that happens every week for some frogs and every day for others. And when the shedding is done, the frog usually eats his old skin.

How do I tell which frog I've got?
If you purchased your frog from the petstore, you should already know what frog you have. But... if you caught your frog from your local pond or backyard, it's nearly impossible to determine which specie of frog you have (since there are about 5,000 different species of frogs).

Is my frog male or female?
Determining if your frog is male or female can be challenging, since there are many different types of frogs that share common characteristics. Males are typically smaller than female frogs and have a darker skin tone. Also, if your frog croaks, sings or blurps during the night, he is most likely a male, although there are some female species that do this. And, if your frog's ears are smaller than his eyes, it is most likely a female, but there are a few male frogs that have small ears.

Can I release my non-native pet frog free?
If your frog is not native to where you live, do not release him into the wild. In an unfamiliar habitat, a frog can panic; also the food supply could be different than what he would receive in his natural habitat. The climate could be different from what he is used to. Also, native frogs are much hardier than captive bred and owned frogs. Non-native frogs most likely won't find shelter and food that they're used to in an unfamiliar habitat.

Is my frog sick?
Determining if your frog is sick is risky business! Many diseases can be confused with the natural colors and occurences of frogs (such as red leg and skin disease). Some diseases' symptoms are easier to see than others. If your frog is sick, he will probably let you know by his colors, activity and appearance. If you notice anything wrong with your frog, call the vet or the petstore that you bought him from to see if they can diagnose the disease.

What do I do if my frog is sick?
Don't panic. Once frogs are sick, they are usually very hard to cure, but it is possible. You will need the proper kind of medicine and you must be very sure of what your frog is sick with. If your frog is sick, do not let him come in contact with any other frogs. ALWAYS wear disposable gloves when handling a sick frog. Some frog diseases can be transferred to humans, and although not common, can be fatal. Wash your hands thoroughly before and especially afterwards. Make sure the terrarium that he is staying in is absolutely clean.

How should I set up my frog terrarium?
You'll need at least a 2 gallon terrarium and some bedding (moss, alfalfa leaves, wood shavings, etc. Don't use small pebbles or something that can harm the frog if swallowed). Also, have a food dish and water dish prepared. You will need a heat lamp unless you keep the room your frog is staying in between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If your frog is a tree frog, provide lots of climbing plants, sticks, logs and vines for him to climb up. Frogs should always have some sort of way to get closer to the heat lamp. Don't put the heat lamp in a location where your frog can touch it. Heat lamps will get very hot and can burn the frog's skin.