Can I Take Care Of A Meadow Frog?

Are you aware that amphibians like meadow frogs can carry salmonella?

Can you provide a 10- to 20-gallon tank for a single frog?

Can you commit to change the water at least twice a week and thoroughly clean frog's enclosure once every two weeks?

Can you provide a consistent temperature in the enclosure that ranges from 70 to 75 F?

Can you maintain humidity range in the enclosure at 50 to 70 percent?

Can you provide a variety of invertebrates for a meadow frog daily?

Do you have an exotic animal veterinarian who specializes in amphibians?

Meadow frogs are harmless to humans and do not produce toxins. However, like all reptiles and amphibians, they can have salmonella which is a harmful bacteria to people. Wear gloves when handling and wash hands thoroughly. Be prepared to take them in and out of their cage at least once a week to clean their cage.

A 10- to 20-gallon tank is sufficient for a single meadow frog, but if you are keeping more than one, increase the tank by 10 gallons per frog. For this species of frog, floor space is more important than height. Meadow frogs are semiaquatic and need land area as well as sufficient water to submerge their bodies. A half-land, the half-water tank is an excellent choice for meadow frogs.

Owners should do a 50 percent water change regularly (at least twice weekly, perhaps more). Every other week, you will need to clean the enclosure thoroughly with hot water. Do not use soap as detergent residues can kill frogs. Remove and replace the substrate and clean the walls and bottom of the tank.

Meadow frogs thrive at temperatures from 70 to 75 F. As these creatures are cold-blooded, they need to regulate their internal body temperature. They do this by moving around in their cage to cool down or get warm. You should provide a thermal gradient or range of temperatures in the cage. You can do this by putting a ceramic heat emitter in one corner or end of the cage. The temperature should not exceed 80 F in that warm spot.

An ideal humidity range for the cage is 50 to 70 percent. If the frog needs more humidity, it can submerge in the water. A hygrometer or humidity gauge will help you check moisture levels. Use a spray bottle to mist the cage with dechlorinated water several times a day, or you can automate this with an electronic mister or fogger that uses sensors or a timer.

Feed meadow frogs a variety of invertebrates, such as crickets, wax worms, fly larvae, and earthworms. A meal of three to four crickets daily is a good starting point for younger frogs, and experts recommend feeding mature frogs only every other day. Variety seems to be essential with frogs. Prey items should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, dog food, fish food, or cricket gut loading formula) before being given to the frog. Every other feeding, dust the crickets with a reptile calcium powder.

You can take care of a meadow frog!

Like many captive frogs, pet meadow frogs are susceptible to red leg disease, a parasitic infection that can cause reddening of the legs. Symptoms include sluggishness and a loss of interest in eating or activity. Meadow frogs are also prone to fungal infections, which appear as inflammation or a cottony-looking substance on the skin. These conditions are treatable but require a visit to an exotics veterinarian.