The Best Pet Frogs for Beginners
Frogs can make great first pets. However, don’t be fooled, they need just as much care and attention as the popular dog or cat. There are countless captive frogs that make ideal pets but it is best to pick a hardier and more common breed whilst you get to grips with frog husbandry. Whatever you do, invest time into researching all about your chosen species of frog so you can give it the best life possible. To make things easier for you, below are some of the best pet frogs for new owners.
Oriental Fire Bellied Toads
Bright green and orange in colour, this semi-aquatic frog species is one of the most popular in the UK. They grow to round a few inches in length and can live up to 10 years if looked after properly and given everything they need.
Fire bellied toads are much more diurnal compared to other types, which means you will see them awake during the day. Owners will need to set up a semi-aquatic tank to ensure their toad has a perfect habitat to live in.
Oriental fire bellied toads are not an ideal species for children as their skin is toxic and handling frequently is best avoided. Teenagers and adults are recommended as owners for this hardy species.
Pacman Frog
This friendly giant is the most popular captive ‘big frog’. People are often drawn to them for their comical round appearance and toughness. They can grow as large as 6 inches and can live up to 15 years, although 10 is the norm.
They are easy to care for and live alone, meaning you can focus all your attention on one frog. However, they spend most of their days burrowed underground and only come out to eat or soak in a water pool. They are a unique frog to have and despite their lack of action are definitely one of the best frogs to consider as a pet.
Red Eye Tree Frog
Originally hailing from South America, the red eye tree frog is a popular pet due to their lime-green skin and bulging bright red eyes. They are what many stereotypically envisage when they picture having a pet frog. However, they only grow up to 2.5 inches in size, so they are best suited to teenagers or adults.
Unlike the pacman frog, red eye tree frogs are much more fragile and handling should be kept at a minimum. They need dedicated care and should only be considered an option for somebody who has the time to look after them properly and invest time into their care.
Tomato Frog
An easy option for first time frog owners, tomato frogs look exactly how you would imagine considering their name. Usually 4 to 5 inches in length when fully grown, the tomato frog has a stocky and spherical body with a reddish top and orange belly. Like the pacman frog, they are considered a ‘big’ species.
Although they aren’t fans of being handled, they will be happy enough for you to interact with them whilst you clean their enclosure. Just don’t take too long in the day as the tomato frog is nocturnal; they spend the majority of their day snoozing.
White’s Tree Frog
Also known as ‘dumpy frogs’ due to their pudgy appearance, the 2 to 3 inch long frog species are often lime green in hue. They are one of the most docile frog species and, although no frog is partial to handling, dumpies don’t mind and can often enjoy the interaction.
White’s tree frogs can live up to 20 years, but 7 seems to be the average in most pet dumpies. They are very forgiving when it comes to their habitat and will eat pretty much anything turned their way. The only thing to bear in mind is that they thrive best in temperatures around 27°C, so you will need to invest in a head pad or lamp.