Green Treefrog - Hyla cinerea
Green treefrogs do not need a tremendous amount of hands on care. They are primarily nocturnal. They need a humid habitat - so misting is required. They can be kept in limited space. They do feed on live food – primarily crickets and other small insects. They will need special care such as vitamin supplements and special lighting. It is best not to play with them as you would guinea pigs and other small animals. They do have special needs in their habitat and care. If you want a green treefrog, you must be prepared to provide what your pet needs.
DO NOT FEED WILD INSECTS OR INSECTS FOUND AROUND THE HOUSE – THEY MAY CARRY DISEASES THAT COULD BE DEADLY TO YOUR PET
Average Size: 2 to 3 inches long
Life Span: Up to 6 + years
Diet: Provide a variety of live insects, including crickets and mealworms. Dust the insects daily with a pure calcium supplement and once or twice weekly with a vitamin/mineral supplement. Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. If you are using tap water, let it sit for a day before using it for your pet – this essentially eliminates any chlorine that will be present.
Feeding: Feed 2 to 3 times a week at night; only offer as many insects as the frog will eat overnight. Learn how to raise food for your pet.
Housing
Size - A glass habitat, taller than it is wide, with a tight-fitting screen lid – they will attempt escapes!
Habitat - Heavily planted, with large driftwood branches and artificial non-edible plants; never place in direct sunlight or in a drafty area; cover the back wall with a dark green material; use large suction cups to attach slabs of cork bark to the back wall; keep environment very clean
Temperature - About 68 degrees F. at night, and during the day 75 degrees F. to 80 degrees F.; use a basking lamp; make sure to have different temperature zones inside the habitat; maintain proper humidity
Substrate - Mulch-type commercial material; unbleached paper towels, soil, dampened sphagnum moss, coconut fiber and bark; avoid gravel and artificial turf (too harsh for skin)
Lighting - Full spectrum lighting is only necessary for live plants. A UVB can also be used since it helps your pet process calcium.
Water - Supply a fresh, clean, dependable chlorine-free water source Mist the habitat at least once a day. You may even want to invest in a misting unit.
Recommended Supplies:
- Habitat 10 - 20 gallon tank with secure lid
- Full spectrum fluorescent light
- Drip system
- Humidity gauge
- Vitamin/mineral supplement
- Gloves for handling your pet
- Mist bottle
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- Thermometer – actually one for each side of the cage
- Non-toxic plants; branches
- Book about tree frogs
- Incandescent light or ceramic heater
- Spray bottle
| Normal Behavior and Interaction Green treefrogs are nocturnal animals; they may sleep during the day in a hiding place. They are active and enjoy climbing branches. Do not handle treefrogs unless necessary; handling them can cause stress.
Habitat Maintenance Change the water daily, using clean, fresh, dechlorinated water. Mist the habitat daily to keep humidity levels high. Use an appropriate sized, small-mesh, soft net to move or block the frog while doing habitat maintenance; avoid handling; if you handle them be sure to wear latex gloves; residue or oil on your skin can harm amphibians. Thoroughly clean the tank at least once week: set frogs aside in a secure habitat; scrub the tank and furnishings with a 3% bleach solution; rinse thoroughly with water, removing all smell of bleach; dry the tank and furnishings; and add clean substrate Frogs excrete high levels of ammonia, so habitats containing several frogs may warrant more frequent cleaning.
Grooming and Hygiene In general, don't handle unless necessary; wear latex gloves; do not allow frog's secretion into contact with eyes, mouth, or open wounds; Always wear latex gloves if you must handle your frog and wash your hands after handling the habitat contents to help prevent Salmonella and other infectious diseases
Signs of a Healthy Pet:
- Active and alert
- Healthy skin
- Clear eyes
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- Eats regularly
- Clear nose and vent
- Hopping
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Common Health Issues and Red Flags:
- Lethargic
- skin lesions
- Loss of appetite
- Distressed breathing
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- Weight loss
- Weak leg movements
- Bloated abdomen
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As with all pets in this category, it is important that you find a veterinarian that practices in EXOTICS – this is critical. The typical small animal practitioner may not have sufficient knowledge in this area. Even this guide is general in nature and should not be used to diagnose your pet.
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