Red-eyed tree frogs are adorable and easy to keep. I am sure that you aim to maintain a healthy and happy pet. These pets have bright colors and are active jumpers, especially at night. However, you must care for your new pet to ensure you have a healthy red-eyed tree frog.
This article will give you a helpful guide to caring for your frog. What are the signs of a healthy red-eyed tree frog?
How to tell that your red-eyed tree frog is healthy
Red-eyed tree frogs are healthy pets. However, this does not overlook the possibility of illnesses. They could result from excessive handling and bacterial or fungal infections. Below is a list of the common signs that you have a healthy frog.
- Bright red eyes
- Bright colors that may change for camouflaging purposes
- Normal breathing
- Moist skin
- Red-eyed frogs are nocturnal
Bright red eyes
It is probably the first thing you will notice about the red-eyed tree frog. If your frog appears to have cloudy eyes, it could indicate an illness.
Bright colors that may change for camouflaging purposes
Red-eyed tree frogs are colorful. They have a bright greenback. It might change with a change in environment. Red-eyed tree frogs camouflage with a change of environment. I believe this is a natural safety trick to survive their natural habitats.
Your frog’s limbs should be orange with a cream belly. Redness on the abdomen or thighs could indicate Redleg illness.
Normal breathing
Easy breathing means that your frog has clear nostrils. If your red-eyed tree frog is experiencing trouble breathing, you must rush to the vet’s office. Otherwise, it can be fatal for your frog.
Moist skin
Your red-eyed frog should always have damp skin. They have permeable skin through which they absorb water.
Any bruising or spotting on your frog’s skin indicates a health problem. Note that red-eyed tree frogs have sensitive skin. As a result, they are prone to bacterial and fungal infections.
Active at night
Red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal. They are swamped during the night. If your frog seems to hibernate all night, you should check upon him.
Night-time activity is an indication that you have a healthy red-eyed tree frog.
How to keep your red-eyed frog healthy
Keeping your new pet healthy must be a priority for you. Concentrate on making sure that your red-eyed tree frog has everything he needs. It includes proper housing, nutrition, and general habitat.
Red-eyed tree frog housing
Red-eyed tree frogs live in glass terrariums. You can purchase one from your local pet store or order online. However, you will need to equip the terrarium accordingly. You can either use live or fake plants to provide the tank.
Plant use is to provide a natural habitat for these adorable frogs. These frogs are mainly found in the rain forests in Central America and Columbia. Thus, when setting up housing for your red-eyed tree frog, ensure that there is enough humidity.
Another primary consideration is the lighting and heating. Most red-eyed tree frog owners prefer getting a heat mat or basking lamp for the tank. These cute little amphibians thrive in temperatures between 24°C and 29°C. At the same time, the humidity levels must be between 60% and 70%. You can provide this by leaving a bowl of water in the tank.
Red-eyed tree frogs are also nocturnal creatures. Providing lighting will alert your pet what time of the day it is. A low-wattage UV bulb is suitable for lighting your frog’s terrarium.
Nutrition and diet
Nutrition is a crucial aspect when trying to keep your frog healthy. Luckily for you, red-eyed tree frogs are light feeders. A mature red-eyed tree frog must eat 2-3 times a week. A smaller frog might need to feed every day until they attain its average size.
‘What should I feed my red-eyed tree frog?’ is a common question among new amphibian owners. Well, these tiny creatures love brown crickets. However, you can also get black crickets, hoppers, and locusts for your little friend.
Do not forget to provide clean drinking water for your frog. There are supplements that you can add to your frog’s diet. These should help supplement calcium, vitamins, and other minerals.
Health and Handling
Red-eyed tree frogs are a healthy lot. They have an impressive lifespan of up to 5 years. You will not need regular visits to the vet’s office with proper care. However, should you notice anything unusual, it would help if you did.
.eep physical handling at a minimum. These pets do not enjoy being pets. Instead, you relax and watch your frog hop from one twig to another in its small terrarium.
Handling a red-eyed tree frog is likely to cause health problems for your frog anyway. For instance, their skin is porous. It makes it easy to contract a bacterial or fungal infection from contact with chemicals or germs.
It would help if you cleaned the terrarium often. Concentrate on replacing the gravel in the base of the tank. Also, remove uneaten pieces of food and any other dirt. Clean the water bowls every day. After all, frogs are aquatic creatures and will dive into the water bowls now and then.
If you use fake plants, clean them before placing them back in the tank.
Do I need a veterinarian for my red-eyed tree frog?
Absolutely! You will need a reptile and an amphibian vet should your frog fall ill. Red-eyed tree frogs’ most common illnesses are Leg Disease, Metabolic Bone Disease, and Oodinium. Metabolic Bone Disease makes red-eyed frogs sluggish and unable to hop. Oodinium, on the other hand, is characterized by gray spots on the frog’s skin. All these illnesses are easily treatable and preventable.
Conclusion
Red-eyed tree frogs are easy to maintain. They do not require a lot of supervision or handling. To keep a healthy red-eyed tree frog, only use high-quality prey. Also, ensure that the terrarium is clean and free of germs. Observe your frog closely and notice any changes in skin color or activity. If there is something unusual, consult the nearest reptile and amphibian vet.
