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Why enclosure design matters A well-structured terrarium gives frogs opportunities to express natural behaviors and provides moisture, shelter, perches, and visual security throughout the enclosure. |
BEFORE INTRODUCING NEW FROGS
Quarantine & Receiving Your Frogs
Quarantine should be completed before introducing new frogs to an established collection. The source recommendations call for separate tanks and isolation for at least two weeks so behavior and health can be monitored. If isolation is not possible, the source recommends fecal testing and preventive treatment against chytrid fungus with itraconazole. Any drug treatment should be supervised by a veterinarian with amphibian expertise.
Prepare the quarantine area
· Prepare separate tanks for the new arrivals and keep them isolated for at least two weeks.
· Disinfect tanks, substrates, furniture, and plants before use.
· Provide more than 10 gallons of space per individual, with a maximum of five individuals of the same size and species together.
· Monitor tank temperature at least three times per day.
· Place several containers, such as Petri dishes, with dechlorinated water in the terrarium.
· Spray the tank with chamomile infusion 10 minutes before introducing the frogs.
Have these supplies ready
· A clear, well-lit area for checking the frogs.
· Nitrile gloves. Latex gloves are toxic to amphibians.
· Isotonic solution and a dropper.
· A container with dechlorinated water.
Receiving & unpacking
· Unpack the frogs in a well-lit, quiet area.
· Carefully open each container and slowly administer isotonic solution with a dropper over five minutes.
· Do not remove the frog until hydration is complete.
· Inspect each frog for abnormalities and report anything unusual immediately.
· Use new, moist nitrile gloves when handling frogs to reduce contamination from hand sweat and temperature.
· Keep the frogs as calm as possible to support recovery from transport and adaptation to the new environment.
Isotonic solution — source formula
For 500 ml of sterile water: 3.3 g sodium chloride, 0.075 g potassium chloride, 0.075 g calcium chloride, and 0.1 g sodium bicarbonate. Mix well. The source recommends keeping the container closed, preferably using dark (amber) glass.
Recently purchased frogs — source conditions
|
Parameter |
Source recommendation |
|
Temperature |
18–24 °C (64.5–75 °F) |
|
Lighting |
Full-spectrum lighting to provide UVB and UVA |
|
Humidity |
65–90% |
|
Feeding |
Adult fruit flies, larvae, live crickets and springtails |
Important: The quarantine/reception recommendations above are presented separately from the established husbandry schedule that follows. The source documents provide different humidity and lighting parameters for these contexts, so they have not been combined into a single range.
1. Terrarium Design
As an internal minimum design, the terrarium should include:
· Plants of different sizes with medium-sized leaves.
· At least one bromeliad.
· Sticks that can be used as perches.
· High platforms, if desired.
· Visual barriers between terrariums. These may be internal (optional) or external.
· A generous layer of moist, but not waterlogged, leaf litter over the substrate.
· Laying containers (tubes).
· A minimum of four permanent hydration containers, each with a smooth-surfaced stone inside.
Why these elements matter
These structures allow individuals to express natural behaviors. Without appropriate structures and environmental choices, frogs may experience stress and develop repetitive behaviors that can result in abrasions to the face or extremities.
Leaf Litter & Hydration
Leaf litter should remain moist but not overly waterlogged. This allows animals to hydrate without having to move to a designated hydration container. Hydration options should remain available throughout the enclosure, providing additional access to moisture and security.
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If abrasions are present Provide us with clear photographs and videos of all affected animals. This information can help facilitate more targeted husbandry support. |
2. Temperature & Humidity
Temperature should be allowed to fluctuate throughout the day rather than remaining constantly high. The recommendations below provide a daily cycle designed to create a more suitable environmental rhythm.
|
Time of day |
Temperature |
Humidity |
|
Morning • 7 AM–11 AM |
19–22 °C |
90–98% |
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Afternoon • 11 AM–2 PM |
22–26 °C |
75–80% |
|
Late afternoon • 2 PM–5 PM |
22–25 °C |
78–90% |
|
Evening • After 5 PM |
17–19 °C |
90% |
3. Lighting & Mist Schedule
· Dim the lights after 3 PM.
· Turn the lights off for the night after 5 PM.
· Spray in the morning between 7 AM and 8 AM, or in the late afternoon after 4 PM, while keeping temperatures within the recommended ranges.
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Hydration, humidity & temperature The source recommendations note that opaque-looking skin in deceased individuals indicates a need to improve management of hydration, humidity, and temperature. Increasing hydration-container availability and closely managing environmental parameters can help address these concerns. |
4. Daily Routine at a Glance (Based on our own practices at our farm in Colombia)
|
Period |
Recommended routine |
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7–8 AM |
Morning spray; morning temperature and humidity range. |
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7–11 AM |
90–98% humidity; 19–22 °C. |
|
11 AM–2 PM |
75–80% humidity; 22–26 °C. |
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2–3 PM |
78–90% humidity; 22–25 °C. |
|
After 3 PM |
Dim lights. |
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After 4 PM |
Optional late-afternoon spray, maintaining the recommended temperature. |
|
After 5 PM |
Lights off; 90% humidity; 17–19 °C. |
Final Note
Consistency is important. Adjusting enclosure structure, hydration access, temperature, humidity, lighting, and misting according to the recommended daily cycle can create a more suitable environment and support adaptation.