Is a Frog Right for You?

Before buying a frog, you need to read this article to find out if a frog is the right pet for you. Frogs are somewhat of a commitment, so you need to be prepared.

1. Frogs require money.

Before ever getting a pet that you probably can't return to the pet store, you need to make sure you are willing to pay the bills for it. Caring for and owning frogs can get rather expensive, so you need to be very sure you are ready to pay for everything. Here is a list of the basics you will need to pay for:

• The frog itself -- frogs can range in price from $6 to $30 and up
• The correct habitat -- don't purchase an inexpensive habitat that your new pet won't be happy in. A good rule to go by: 5 gallons per inch of frog.
• Terrarium decor -- you will need to purchase trees, stumps, logs, water dishes, food dishes, etc.
• Substrate -- since substrate is something that needs to be changed every 1-6 months, you will be continually purchasing new substrate for your frog
• Food -- crickets, mealworms, waxworms, etc. all need to be in your pet frog's diet. They die rather quickly and your frog needs to be fed every two days if not every day, so you will be constantly be purchasing food for your frog
• Lighting -- all frogs need lighting, and you have to purchase lamps to start with, bulbs when they burn out, and have to pay for the electricity powering the light

The items listed above are only the very necessary items in owning a pet frog. Other bills you might have to pay: veterinary bills, medicine bills, bills for vitamin supplements, etc.

         2. Frogs require commitment.

Every day, you will have to check on your frog and provide for its daily needs such as:

• Clean water -- this is one of the most important commitments to owning a frog. Frogs can get fatally sick from dirty water. You will have to change your frog's water daily, unless you own an aquatic frog. Then change the water weekly.
• Fresh food -- every day, your pet needs to eat. Along with each meal, you should include a complete vitamin supplement. Read my article: Frogs' Vitamins and Nutrients for more information.
• Monthly cleanings -- remember to clean out your frog's habitat monthly, if not sooner. Change the substrate and run everything under hot water. Read my complete article: Cleaning your Frog's Terrarium.
• You need to be checking your frog every day for any signs of illness or discomfort. At the first sign of any sickness, immediately consult your veterinarian.

If you are willing and able to provide all of your pet frog's needs, you are ready to own your own pet frog! Don't let any of this information scare you off from owning frogs, however. Frogs are quite easy to care for once you get the hang of it.