The care of amphibia — Frogs, Toads, Newts & Salamanders

What are temperate and tropical species?

These are the regions in the world that amphibia come from—taking this into account we have to cater for their temperature requirements differently.

Temperate species;

Fire Bellied Toads, Green Toads, Firebellied Newts, Fire Salamanders.

Tropical species;

Red Eye Treefrogs, Whites Treefrogs, Cane toads, Poison Dart Frogs, Horned Toads, African Bullfrogs.

How to provide heat for tropical species

Many keepers utilise heat mats or heat cables, others use heat bulbs. It is very important to control the output with a thermostat.

Signs of Ill Health

  • Swollen limbs
  • Reddening of the skin (especially on the back legs)
  • Sunken looking skin or eyes
  • Sores
  • Lack of appetite
  • Tremors
  • Cloudy or dull eyes
  • Bloated abdomen

Possible causes of Ill Health

  • Dirty conditions
  • Incorrect diet / supplementation
  • Incorrect temperature / Humidity control

Housing

  • Glass or Plastic.
  • Treefrogs require tall vivaria.
  • Must be escape proof.
  • Provide internal decor such as a water bowl, branches, hides & plants.

Heating / Temperatures

  • Tropical species require a temperature of around 26C day / night
  • Temperate species require a temperature on the cool side, generally an average room temperature is fine—approximately 18-20C.

Lighting

Low output T5 UVBs are reccomended for most Amphibians now.

Substrates

  • Earthmix/Coco Coir or Sphagnum moss can be used for many frog species and also for Horned frogs.
  • Soil based, kept only mildly damp, is fine for many toad species.

Humidity (level of moisture in the air)

  • Generally speaking most toads require a dry atmosphere—around 40-50%.
  • Generally speaking most frogs and salamanders require a higher level—around 70-95%.
  • Spray twice daily for those that require a high level of humidity.

Hygiene

  • Spot clean daily taking out faecal, uneaten food etc.
  • Substrate should be cleaned out fully 2-3 weekly in order to proevent toxin build ups.
  • Change water daily—use a dechlorinator additive.
  • Do not use detergents, amphibians can be poisoned easily.

Diet and Supplements

  • A Commercially available livefood such as crickets, worms, locusts, waxworms & cockroaches.
  • Gut load the livefood with a insect loading mixture.
  • Use a reptile multi-vitamin and calcium supplement.
  • Feed daily for babies and every other day for adults.

Is an Amphibian Suitable for Me?

  1. I am aware of the long life aspect—maybe 15-20 years.
  2. Many amphibia have irritant / mildly toxic secretions.
  3. I am aware of the need for livefood (insects) and that they may escape.

Recommended Supplies

  • Glass or plastic terrarium.
  • Floor covering suitable for species.
  • Heat mat if the species requires it.
  • Humidity and temperature gauges.
  • T5 UVB Lighting.
  • Appropriate supplements.
  • De-chlorinator additive.
  • Livefood
  • Hides and climbing decor (including plastic plants)