How To Have A Healthy Barking Tree Frog
The barking tree frog can be found in the southeastern part of the United States. They have foot pads that make climbing trees a breeze and this is why they are called tree frogs. Another interesting fact about this frog is that they actually do bark. During mating season the male barking tree frog makes a low pitched, honking sound and it signals the female tree frog. If the male is in the water the sound it makes is much deeper in tone.
The barking tree frog has the ability to vary in color. This depends on the time of day or the temperature. When the tree frog is experiencing stress, this can also make it change color. The frog can be lime to medium green with yellow to gold flecks. The underside of this creature is usually also a yellow to gold color.
These frogs can grow up to 3 inches in length and people who keep them as pets claim that they are hardy and easy to take care of. They can be trained to eat out of an owners hand and they are considered friendly animals. But there are a few tips that can help while keeping a barking tree frog.
Before you get a tree frog, you will have to make sure that it has the right type of housing. Most reptiles benefit from a wire mesh cage. But this frog is most comfortable in a glass aquarium. This blocks out noise that may scare the animal and it also holds in heat. You will also need a wire snap on lid so that the frog can have a bit of air circulation but the lid is mainly used so that the frog cannot escape. The size of the aquarium depends on your own personal tastes but remember that the frog does not need a very spacious area to be healthy and thrive.
You will want to line the bottom of the cage with either mulch or peat bedding. Both of these things are great for keeping in humidity and they can also benefit the creature by mimicking its natural surroundings. Since these frogs like to live in trees, you can also add a reptile bark or small tree branch in the cage. Make sure that it does not have any pointy or sharp branch endings that can cut or break the frog’s skin.
This type of animal needs a light and heat source. You can purchase a small florescent light or buy a specific reptile light from your local pet center. You can place the light directly over the top of the cage. The barking tree frog loves warmth and light so it may be a good idea to find a small, flat surfaced rock for it to lay on.
Keep a shallow bowl of water inside of the cage and change the water frequently. This can keep the cage hydrated and humid. These types of frogs prefer to eat worms, moths and crickets. You can purchase them at your local pet store. If you do not want to make several trips a week to the pet store to buy these insects, you can keep them at home in a separate cage and use them whenever you want.
Many people have trained these frogs to eat from their hands. You can place the food type on your palm and lower it into the cage. Keep your hand at a distance and let the frog come to you. This can take a little time so be patient. Eventually, the frog will become used to eating like this.
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