HOME KEEPING TOADS AND FROGS

If many people have toads and frogs made of metal and stone, and even with a coin in their mouth as a symbol that brings money and prosperity, then some prefer to have live real amphibians at home. AT natural conditions toads, and they are gray and green, lead a twilight lifestyle, always avoid bright light. Toads are very useful if they are in the country or garden plot, they exterminate harmful insects, including pests such as slugs, and in a very large quantities. If there is a pond on the site, and there are no frogs, you should try to attract them by laying driftwood and shards near the pond, frogs like to hide under them. Often we cannot deny ourselves the desire to have a piece of wildlife next to us. all year round, so we keep frogs and toads at home. Keeping toads at home deprives them of their freedom and natural instincts. However, toads and frogs are often settled in a living corner.

Toads are kept in high humidity and in aquaterrariums, equipped specifically for their maintenance. They should have enough snags, pieces of bark and stones that serve as shelter for the toads, because during the daylight hours it will be impossible to see the toad, it does not come out of the shelter. The temperature of the content should be 18-20 degrees. Toads should be fed by running live insects into the terrarium, toads eat only moving insects and invertebrates. Cockroaches, bloodworms, slugs, flies and earthworms. A toad needs 3-4 grams of food per day.

The skin of toads is quite bumpy due to the many poisonous glands, the largest glands are located behind the eyes. These glands are the most dangerous, they can give out a poisonous secret at a distance of up to one meter. If you take a toad in your hands, the glands located on the body and legs work, you can feel this liquid, it has an unpleasant odor and a bitter taste. In the old days it was believed that they appeared precisely from this secret allocated by the toad.

Keeping frogs in a home zoo does not differ much from keeping toads. Frogs can live in terrariums with a pond, at a temperature of 18-20 degrees, or in aquariums with created islands or stones protruding from the water, on which frogs can periodically crawl out. Only now the frogs need to create a very high humidity. If the humidity is low, the frog's skin dries out quickly, which can lead to its death. The food for frogs is the same as for feeding toads, only tubifex is to be excluded. Frogs should be kept in aquariums without fish, because fish can be excellent food for them. Keeping frogs as domestic amphibians is an occupation only for rare exotic lovers. The most popular frog for home aquarium this is a clawed frog. The homeland of such a frog is Africa, in nature, frogs live in reservoirs with stagnant water and often move overland in search of another reservoir, but they cannot live without water. The bottom of the aquarium or aquaterrarium should be covered not with sand, but with fine gravel, frogs dig in it, and the water becomes cloudy. From plants for an aquarium with frogs, it is better to use large aquatic plants with a powerful stem, otherwise the frog can damage them by simply breaking them, and it is better to place plants floating on the surface, they can also serve as islands of land for frogs.

In an aquarium with frogs, you need to constantly change the water, or install filters, frogs emit a lot of organic matter, and the water quickly becomes cloudy and dirty. Compressors can be omitted, as frogs breathe when leaving the water on the islands. From above, the aquarium should be covered with glass or a grate, frogs can easily jump out of it.

If you have a pair of frogs, they can reproduce by laying eggs. Aquarium clawed frogs can be observed laying eggs 3-4 times a year. Tadpoles emerge from the eggs, and then, after about two months, frogs develop from them. Tadpoles and frogs can be fed fish food. Frogs in an aquarium can live up to 15 years.

There are many types of frogs, but some of them are very dangerous. These are toad frogs and spadefoot frogs. It is better not to keep them at home. Frogs imported from America are even more poisonous and dangerous. The poison secreted by toads and frogs will not cause serious poisoning in humans, but getting on the mucous membranes can lead to inflammation, redness and irritation. Skin areas should be thoroughly rinsed with water immediately after exposure to the poison.

Frogs are mostly green, gray and white, with a yellow belly, but cannot be colored. Be careful, colored frogs are imported from China, these are artificially colored frogs.

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26.07.2017

Everyone knows that frog legs are considered a gourmet delicacy in France, and many fans of this dish around the world idolize their refined and delicate taste, which slightly resembles chicken.

Frog dishes adorn the menu of the most famous and respectable restaurants in Belgium, Italy, Spain, Greece, Great Britain, Holland and many other European countries.


Frogs are also highly valued in countries such as China, Vietnam, Laos, where they are bred on special farms, since frog meat is valued much higher than veal and costs an order of magnitude more expensive. In the East, no one will be surprised by the assortment of a supermarket, where, next to the hams of various animals and birds, frozen paws of these amphibians will lie.

In Peru, they manage to add frog meat even to chocolate and cookies, after drying and grinding it. It is believed that such an unusual delicacy cures anemia and helps women with infertility.

Fried frog legs have also appeared on the menu of many Ukrainian cafes and restaurants (as a rule, they prefer to sell French or exotic cuisine). True, not every frog goes into food, but only large green ones, which are the edible species.


It is noteworthy that, in terms of their biological value, in many countries of the world, frog legs are equated with pike and even sturgeon caviar.

frog species

In the reservoirs of Ukraine, there are only five varieties of frogs: grass ( lat. Rana temporaria), moor ( lat. Rana arvalis), fast ( lat. Rana dalmatina), pond ( lat. Rana lessonae) and lake ( lat. Rana ridibunda). The first three species have a brown and brown body color, and scientists combine the last two species into a group of “green frogs”, which, when crossed, give the same famous edible kind.


For the first time a big green frog like separate view described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It was he who gave her a name (lat. Rana esculenta), which translates as "edible frog." This hybrid species is widely represented in the reservoirs of Transcarpathia and lives in the Danube Delta.

At times Soviet Union these amphibians were massively exported to France, since their value in foreign currency was three times (!) Higher than the price of expensive breeds fish. Every year, up to eighty tons of this first-class product were exported from the country.

At present, due to the spread of diseases and massive epidemics of birds, pigs and large cattle, the demand for frog meat has skyrocketed. True, in Ukraine it still remains quite low, since the use of frogs seems unusual and unnatural to many residents of the country, therefore, for today, the most promising direction remains the cultivation of amphibians for export.

Description of the edible frog

When creating optimal conditions for growth and development, individual specimens of frogs can gain weight up to one and a half (!) Kilograms, but on average their weight does not exceed one kilogram.


An amphibian reaches puberty at the age of three years and one female is able to lay up to fifteen thousand eggs during the year.

Frog rearing

Growing an edible species of frogs for commercial purposes is simple and technologically similar to breeding ordinary pond fish (the fattening period to obtain a commercial species is from twelve to twenty months).

To start, you need frog caviar, which can be collected in a pond during spawning, and after three or four years, the amphibian population will increase tenfold.


It is advisable to grow caviar in a closed reservoir with clean running water, since ponds open type significantly increase the mortality rate of the population. The incubation room should be warm (it is necessary to maintain the temperature at least twelve degrees Celsius), bright and clean. It is advisable to change the water once every three or four days, while first passing it through the filter (or letting it settle), since highly chlorinated water can kill the entire population of frogs.

You also need to pay attention to the ground. An ideal basis for an incubation pond is a mixture of earth, peat, crushed sphagnum (peat bog moss), expanded clay or charcoal (in a ratio of 3:1:1:1). Such soil will not turn sour, and harm skin tadpoles and young frogs.

After the mass hatching of tadpoles (which grow for about
four months), they are intensively fattened until they turn into young frogs, and then they are moved to an open pond.


For subsequent reproduction, it is desirable to leave the largest and healthiest individuals, thus forming a strong breeding stock of frogs.

Diet

The diet of frogs (at all stages of development) is quite diverse. The food is based on small invertebrates (bloodworms, worms, caterpillars), crustaceans and insects (mosquitoes, flies, beetles). All swimming, jumping, crawling and flying small animals that a frog can swallow at one time are used.


To exclude rickets, young frogs need to add vitamins to the feed.

Upon reaching the marketable weight, the frog is slaughtered with a mallet, the skin is removed, the legs are separated, packed and frozen. This is how they are implemented.

The price of frog legs in Europe ranges from four to six dollars, and live amphibians go for one to four dollars per kilogram (which is about sixty adults).


Breeders need to remember that catching an adult frog is not easy, because it can overcome a distance of three (!) Meters from one jump, and at the same time it can knock down even an adult. This "animal" is able to swallow a mouse, small snake or duckling.

However, the same French people prefer to use frogs of much more modest sizes (weighing about one hundred grams).

Preparing delicious frog legs is quite simple. To begin with, they are kept in cold water with lemon juice (like asparagus) and then fried on vegetable oil in breadcrumbs or batter. The dish turns out to be crispy, fragrant, tender, and small bones are not a hindrance for enjoyment.

Frogs are cute little critters that can be made into unusual and useful pets. However, there are quite a few types of frogs that require some care. Use this article as a general guide to choosing and caring for your pet frogs, but be prepared to do a lot of in-depth research on the specific frog species you choose.

Steps

Part 1

Choice of domestic frog

  1. To get started, check out some suitable frog breeds. The first thing to understand when it comes to frogs is that there is a huge variety of species available. Some of them are easy to take care of, while taking care of others will require a lot of time and special knowledge. If this is your first pet frog, we strongly recommend that you choose the right breed for beginners. Here are some options:

    • African pygmy frog. This is a great option for beginners because these frogs are small, active and easy to care for. They do not require live food and constant presence in the water.
    • Far Eastern toad. These frogs are a good option for beginners who want a terrestrial (not aquatic) frog. They are quite active and do not grow too large.
    • Coral tree frog. This white tree frog is perhaps the easiest tree frog to handle. These frogs are active, easy to feed and even handle from time to time (which is unusual for frogs).
    • Pacman. These are large, ground frogs that are easy to care for. They tend to be quite sedentary life, which reduces their space requirements, but it can make them a boring pet for kids.
    • As a beginner, you should avoid poisonous frogs or toads, which are also expensive. Poison frogs tend to be quite fragile and difficult to care for, while more expensive frogs are a risky choice for people who are new to caring for them. It is better to start with an inexpensive simple breed and gradually work your way up.

  2. Do not keep wild frogs as pets. While it is possible to catch wild frogs to keep as pets, there are a few things you should pay attention to first.

    • First, it can be difficult to determine what kind of frog you have caught. Various types of frogs are very different requirements in terms of food, temperature and habitat, so if you keep a wild frog in the wrong conditions, it may die.
    • If you choose to adopt a frog from the wild, be sure to take into account the environment in which you found it. Maybe it was a leafy, grassy area, or maybe a frog was hiding under a stone or swimming in a pond? Such conditions, most likely, will need to be created for her at home.
    • However, you should still try to determine the exact species of your frog by looking up a picture of it on the Internet, reading books about frogs, or consulting a local naturalist. This will help you determine the exact requirements for its content.
    • Secondly, many frog species found in the wild are on the verge of declining populations or even extinction. Taking the frog out natural environment can harm its wild population, especially if it is an endangered species.
    • In fact, taking a protected species from the wild is illegal in some areas, so be sure to check the country's laws before bringing a frog home.

  3. Consider the size of the frog and the amount of space it needs. The size of your frog (when it gets stronger) and the size of the tank to keep it in are the main factors when choosing a frog.

    • Sometimes, tiny frogs at the pet store grow into giant monsters. For example, elves (a type of frog whose name suggests diminutiveness) initially measure only 2.5 cm in length, and then can grow more than 20 cm.
    • Large frogs require a lot of space. For example, a fully grown frog will need a 75 liter aquarium or even more. If the frog lives in a small aquarium, it may be unhappy and sick.
    • Large aquariums take up a lot of space in the house and require a lot of effort to keep clean. These frogs also eat more food, making them more expensive to feed than smaller frog species.
    • This is another reason to do your research and find out the exact breed of frog before you buy one.

  4. Consider the nutritional requirements of a frog. Before you jump head first into buying a cute (or ugly, depending on your preference) frog from the store, you should take the time to find out what it eats.

    • Most frog species enjoy eating crickets, worms (such as red wigglers and nocturnal caterpillars) and others. creepy creatures. However, it's important to remember that frogs generally prefer live food, especially if you're squeamish about this sort of thing.
    • Larger frogs often require more substantial food, which may include mice, goldfish, or guppies. It takes a lot of work to provide your frog with this kind of nutrition, and it's not for the faint of heart!
    • In addition, you need to think about where you will get food for your frog from. Your local grocery store probably doesn't sell live crickets! Do you have large pet stores nearby where you can buy exotic pet supplies?
    • Of course, it is possible to find frog food in the back garden, but this can be quite time consuming and highly unreliable. In addition, garden pests are often chemically treated, which will be harmful to your frog.

  5. Find out how active your frog species is. Another important factor is the activity level of your frog species. This is especially important if you want to get a frog for kids, as most kids want an animal to play with.

    • Many large, cold or odd-looking frogs are a popular choice among beginner paddling pools, however these frogs tend to be the least active and just sit still like a statue and sleep all day long. It can get boring pretty quickly.
    • If you are looking for more active view frogs, it is better to choose small frogs, water frogs and some types of tree frogs, as they often jump or swim, which makes watching them more interesting.
    • You should also keep in mind that even the most active frogs will do nothing but jump around or eat crickets. You can't take a frog for a walk, teach it tricks, or do anything else with it. So it's important to decide for yourself if a frog is really the perfect pet for you (or your child).

  6. Understand that keeping a frog at home is a commitment. It is important to understand that caring for her is not the same as caring for a goldfish. Most frogs that are well cared for can live up to 25 years.

    • Therefore, you must be prepared to take care of your frog for many years, feed it, keep it clean, and take care of it when it is sick.
    • You should also think about what to do with her during your holidays, who will take care of her during your absence. Volunteers can be hard to find, especially if your frog only eats live crickets or even mice!
    • If you have a frog but find it too much work or too much expense to take care of, you need to know the channels through which you can get rid of it.
    • If you have selected a wild frog from your yard or local park, you should be able to release it in the same place where you found it. Leave the frog as close to the original location as possible, whether it was under leaves on forest floor or next to a stream.
    • However, if you bought the frog from a store and it's not a local species, you can't just release it in wildlife. You will need to take the frog back to the pet store, sell it to a new owner, donate the frog to a local school in the animal corner, or contact the nearest animal care organization.

  7. Find out if you need a license. In some places, you are required to have a license to keep a certain type of frog as a pet, especially if they are endangered or poisonous.

    Part 2

    Housing your frog

    1. Find out what kind of tank your frog needs. Different types of frogs need very different "houses", so do your research first before buying one.

      • Ground tanks are the simplest frog "houses" but should only be used for frog species that live in dry environments.
      • Water tanks. This type of "house" is used only for purely aquatic species frogs are basically aquariums with water, the same as water gardens for fish.
      • 50/50 is the most common type of frog house, where half is filled with water and the other half is dry. Most frogs will do well in such an environment.
      • The tree tank is designed specifically for tree frogs that prefer to climb on branches. These tanks tend to be taller and narrower than other types.
      • Pond. In some situations, you may want to keep native frog species in a pond in your yard. Sometimes a simple backyard pond will attract local frogs and you won't need to catch them! However, you should never keep non-native species in open water, as they can disrupt the local ecosystem by feeding on native frogs and other endangered insects.

    2. Place the tank in a suitable location. If you have a tank, you must decide where to put it.

      • You should always keep the "house" out of direct sunlight, as this can increase the temperature and make the "house" uncomfortable (and possibly dangerous), dry and hot inside.
      • The "house" should be kept away from the kitchen, as smoke and other fumes from cooking can be harmful to the frog.
      • You should also be careful not to expose the tank to any aerosols (such as paint in the garage or hairspray in the bedroom), as these can penetrate the frog's skin and potentially affect its health.

    3. Fill the "house" with the right material as a substrate. Underlayment is the material used to cover the underside of the house. The main thing here is to determine whether the substrate should be wet or dry and how easy it is to clean.

      • Gravel is a good option for most common frog species. It is easy to clean and easy to get in different colors and sizes. Other good options include soil, pine bark, sand, and cedar or pine shavings.
      • Once the substrate materials are in place, you can install the decorations inside! You can cover the gravel with a layer of moss, which will make the house look much more natural. Just make sure the moss is wet by spraying it clean fresh water as often as you can and don't forget to keep an eye on its shape.
      • Place a few stones inside the "house" as well a good option, as this will enable the frog to climb onto something. Just make sure the rocks don't have sharp edges that could hurt her.
      • You can also decorate the "house" with plastic plants or small living ones, while a hollow container will provide a good place for shelter. Buy or make a colorful backdrop for your aquarium, such as a tropical forest as this will help keep the frog feeling at home.

    4. Find out the temperature and light requirements of your frog. The temperature and heating requirements for frogs vary considerably, depending on the species, so make sure you do your homework before setting up a house.

      • Unlike lizards, snakes, and turtles, most frogs don't require any special lighting because they get required amount vitamin D through food.
      • However, it is necessary to provide a source of light for up to 12 hours a day, especially if the "lodge" does not have access to natural light.
      • A fluorescent light is the safest option for frogs as it doesn't get too hot. Hot lights can be dangerous if the frog decides to jump on them.
      • In terms of heating, the ideal temperature for your frog will depend on its species. The easiest way to change the temperature inside the tank is to change the temperature in the whole room.
      • In addition, you can buy heating lamps (which should be on the outside of the "house") or a heating pad (which can be wrapped around the "house" on the outside) to raise the temperature inside.
      • If you need to heat water in all or part of the "house", you must purchase a glass tube or a fully submersible water heater.
      • Make sure you can operate the heater for a couple of days before putting the frog in the "house". This will allow you to control the temperature. Make sure this is the best way for the frog.

    Part 3

    Feeding and caring for the frog

    1. Feed the frog crickets (and other creepy creatures). As mentioned above, the most common frog species eat crickets, worms, and other insects, while larger frogs also eat mice or goldfish as an occasional treat.

      • How much and how often to feed a frog will depend on each individual frog and can be determined by trial and error at first.
      • To get started, try feeding your frog three crickets a day. If she quickly eats all three and looks hungry for the next few days, you can increase the number of crickets. However, if she only eats one or two and ignores the others, the dose can be reduced.
      • You can also experiment with different types of food, such as mealworms, waxworms, and grasshoppers, to see what your frog likes best. water frogs, as a rule, eat frozen bloodworm or Artemia.
      • If you can't resist, make sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly, and don't use any lotions, as the frog can absorb them from your skin and possibly get sick.
      • Be aware that it may squirm when you pick it up and may get damp. This is a sign that the frog is not in the mood for communication, and you should put it back in the "house" as soon as possible.
      • Also, be very careful not to drop the frog (even if it is writhing), as a fall from a height can seriously injure it.
    • NEVER (or usually never) use a pet store as a guide! People there can be wrong!

    *Don't squeeze the frog!

    • Don't let small children pick it up! They can squeeze it or damage it!
    • Freeze-dried flies are also considered excellent food for frogs. You can buy them at a pet store or even a supermarket.

    Warnings

    • These recommendations are general. Before you get a frog, do research on its care needs.
    • Always use dechlorinated water! Tap water can kill a frog if it is not dechlorinated.

Frogs are quite unpretentious, varied and funny in their habits. But still, it is important for a novice breeder to take into account some of the features and basic requirements of these animals for keeping at home and take their new pets seriously.

Experienced amphibian breeders believe that keeping a frog in the house is not much different from having a cat or dog. You shouldn't think that small size frogs automatically negates efforts to create conditions and future care.

Amphibians require constant supervision, it is advisable to assume in advance who will take care of the pet during your vacation. Keeping a frog is more troublesome and different from keeping a goldfish - a pet will not survive for a week alone with food floating around it.

Another important point- Frogs and toads live a very long time, some species can live up to 15 years. A case of an incredibly long life in captivity of the amphibian species Common Toad, which has reached the advanced age of 40 years, has been recorded!

The legislation of some countries insists on special permits for keeping frogs at home. In Australia, for example, considerable fines are imposed on the owners of these animals, keeping them without a proper license.

Despite all their unpretentiousness and endurance, frogs will require daily chores.

They need to be regularly fed a variety of fresh foods and will not be suitable food waste. Most species will be satisfied with commercially available dry or wet food, but some may need a couple of live insects or worms.

woody green red-eyed frog going to dine

If you choose a type that feeds only on live insects, the first thing you need to think about is where you are going to take all sorts of beetles, larvae and whether you will be ready for creeping food to crawl around the house.

Some, more large species frogs can devour mice with appetite, which can also be a problem and not a very pleasant sight. Species that constantly eat live food at home need especially regular and thorough cleaning of terrariums, and especially their aquatic part, in order to maintain proper hygiene and prevent diseases.

Frogs at home - content features

Unlike other amphibians, frogs have the unique ability to adapt to most situations and environment and can live long and healthy life in a terrarium or even in a winter garden pond.

Still, stationary terrariums or aquariums are the most common homes for frogs in the home. Before choosing a tank, you need to evaluate the needs of your favorite species.

In order not to commit fatal mistake it is best to consult with an experienced frog breeder or amphibian dealer who will recommend one or more options suitable for your new pet.

Terrarium for land frogs

This type of dwelling is ideal for frogs living in dry areas and is the most simple solution. It usually consists of a special dry substrate, spread in a thick layer, and an accessible source of water - usually a ceramic bowl of water.

Slingshot in your home

Aquarium for aquatic species

For a frog that lives permanently in aquatic environment, you will need a standard aquarium, equipped and configured as for keeping fish. This will require a powerful filtration system as these animals feed in the water and excrete waste products into the water.

A reliable mesh cover is needed on top - pets can deftly and quickly escape from the aquarium, which is fraught with imminent death for aquatic species.

Spur frog in the aquarium

Terrarium with aquatic environment

The most common and very attractive way of keeping includes a land area with soil and a water area, so that the frog can choose to stay on land or in water, fully justifying its name as an amphibian creature.

You can buy a ready-made terrarium of this type. Another, more budgetary option is to put another smaller one with low walls in a regular aquarium, fill it with water and surround it with large smooth stones.

Tall tanks

Some amazing views like tree frogs, will require a tall tank that will allow them to climb higher and perch comfortably on a branch.

A tall aquarium filled with suitable plants and branches is best suited. This is an excellent home for beautiful bright frogs that usually live in trees.

White's frog on a branch in a tall aquarium

Frogs at home - the worst and best species for a beginner

There are many various kinds frogs, some of which are more suitable for a beginner hobbyist, while others are not suitable at all.

When buying a cute little frog, you need to know exactly the name of the species and the size of an adult animal. So, young individuals of the African species Pyxicephalus adspersus they look amazing and, just looking at these cute, you can immediately decide that these are certainly wonderful pets.

Juvenile African bullfrog

However, these tiny amphibians are young African bullfrogs or water-bearers that grow huge, sluggish, very strong, and feed on mice.

An adult reaches a length of up to 24 cm and weighs up to two kilograms. This view is not at all suitable for a beginner.

Highly big frogs by themselves are not recommended for keeping at home by novice hobbyists for several reasons. First, they can bite quite painfully. Secondly, they will need a lot of space, feed and care. And finally, thirdly, these are far from the most active, slow animals, so they may seem boring.

Adult African bullfrog

The only pleasant exception to this rule may be one of the various Slingshots ( Ceratophrys), which are also not very active, but are very hardy, insanely cute, and not as prone to disease as some other species.

Poison frogs are also definitely an undesirable choice for the budding hobbyist. Although they usually lose their toxic properties in captivity, in whole or in part, they still require specialized care. high level and are fragile, vulnerable animals.

Frogs at home - decorated slingshot

Eastern toad ( Bombina orientalis) makes the perfect frog for the beginner hobbyist who wants a great experience keeping an amphibian frog. Toads will eat bloodworms, dried crickets, and will also need a vitamin supplement for amphibians.

Frogs are beautiful, quite active and do not grow very large. In addition, this species is undemanding to the ambient temperature and you will not need a heater for the terrarium.

Eastern firefly - a very beautiful frog

Of charming tree species an amateur should pay attention to the bright baby - White's frog ( Litoria caerulea). This is an absolutely charming cute creature with a pleasant appearance and funny habits that at first sight captivate others, especially children, who simply cannot be driven away from the terrarium.

The little amphibian is quite tolerant of increased attention, adapts quickly to new surroundings and is definitely an excellent first frog choice for a beginner breeder.

White's beautiful frog

African pygmy frogs ( Hymenochirus boettgeri) are small, dynamic, attractive and truly comparable to goldfish in terms of the difficulty of keeping and caring for at home.

These pets do not need a supply of live insects or mice, and although they can be bored and lethargic for a couple of weeks as they acclimate to new conditions, they are generally easy to care for.

African pygmy frogs in an aquarium

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