Red-eyed tree frogs (Agalychnis callidryas) are one of the most colorful and captivating amphibians in the world. Their bright green body, red eyes, blue sides, and orange feet make them stand out in their native habitat of Central and South America.
These frogs are nocturnal and arboreal, meaning they are active at night and live in the trees. They are also very agile and can leap from branch to branch with ease.
If you are interested in keeping these beautiful creatures as pets, you will need to provide them with proper housing, diet, care, and attention.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about red-eyed tree frog care, from setting up their terrarium to breeding them successfully.
Table of Contents
Red Eyed Tree Frog Housing
One of the most important aspects of red-eyed tree frog care is providing them with a suitable enclosure. Since these frogs are arboreal, they need a lot of vertical space to climb and explore.
The minimum size for a red-eyed tree frog terrarium is 18 x 18 x 24 inches, but bigger is always better. You can house a single frog or a small group of up to four frogs in this size of enclosure, but make sure to provide enough hiding spots and plants for each frog to feel comfortable.
Terrarium Setup
The red-eyed tree frog terrarium should mimic their natural environment as much as possible. This means you will need to include the following components:
- Substrate: The substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the terrarium. It should be able to retain moisture and drain excess water, as well as prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Some of the best substrates for red-eyed tree frogs are coco fiber, sphagnum moss, orchid bark, or a mixture of these. You can also add a layer of leaf litter on top of the substrate to create a more natural look and provide additional hiding places for the frogs.
- Ventilation: Ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for red-eyed tree frogs. Without adequate airflow, the terrarium can become stagnant and humid, which can lead to respiratory problems and fungal infections for the frogs. The terrarium should have a screen top or mesh sides to allow air circulation, but not too much so that it dries out the enclosure.
- Humidity: Humidity is another crucial factor for red-eyed tree frog care. These frogs are adapted to living in tropical rainforests, where the humidity levels are very high. They need a constant humidity of around 80% to prevent dehydration and skin-shedding issues. You can achieve this by misting the terrarium with dechlorinated water at least twice a day, using a humidifier, or adding a waterfall or fogger to the enclosure. You should also monitor the humidity levels with a hygrometer and adjust accordingly.
- Temperature: Temperature is also important for red-eyed tree frog care. These frogs are used to warm and stable temperatures in their natural habitat, and they can become stressed or sick if the temperature fluctuates too much. The ideal temperature range for red-eyed tree frogs is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. You can use a heat lamp, a heat mat, or a ceramic heat emitter to provide supplemental heat, but make sure to regulate the temperature with a thermostat and measure it with a thermometer.
- Lighting: Lighting is not as essential for red-eyed tree frog care as it is for other reptiles and amphibians, since these frogs are nocturnal and do not require UVB rays. However, you still need to provide some lighting to mimic the natural daylight cycle and help the frogs regulate their circadian rhythm. You can use a low-wattage LED or fluorescent bulb to provide 10 to 12 hours of light per day, but make sure it does not emit too much heat or disturb the frogs' sleep.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Diet
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Earthworms
- Roaches
- Flies
- Moths
- Grasshoppers
You should always gut-load the insects before feeding them to the frogs, which means feeding them a high-quality diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
This will ensure that the insects are nutritious and healthy for the frogs. You should also dust the insects with calcium and vitamin D supplements once or twice a week to prevent metabolic bone disease and other nutritional deficiencies in the frogs.
Feeding Schedule
The feeding schedule for red-eyed tree frogs depends on their age and size. Juvenile frogs should be fed daily, while adult frogs can be fed every other day or three times a week.
You should feed the frogs at night when they are most active and hungry. You should offer them as many insects as they can eat in 15 to 20 minutes, and remove any uneaten insects from the terrarium to prevent them from bothering or biting the frogs.
Nutrition
Nutrition is vital for red-eyed tree frog care, as it affects their health, growth, and longevity. You should provide a balanced diet for the frogs, consisting of different types of insects and supplements. You should avoid feeding the frogs any insects that are too large, hard, or toxic for them, such as:
- Superworms
- Butterworms
- Fireflies
- Centipedes
- Scorpions
- Spiders
You should also avoid feeding the frogs any human food, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, or bread, as these can cause digestive problems and obesity in the frogs.
Supplements
Supplements are an important part of red-eyed tree frog care, as they help prevent and treat common nutritional disorders in the frogs.
The most essential supplements for red-eyed tree frogs are calcium and vitamin D, which are necessary for strong bones, muscles, and nerves.
You should dust the insects with a calcium powder once or twice a week and with a calcium and vitamin D powder once or twice a month. You can also use a multivitamin supplement once or twice a month to provide additional nutrients for the frogs.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Care
Handling
Handling is not recommended for red-eyed tree frogs, as they are very sensitive and delicate animals. They can easily become stressed or injured by human contact, and they can also secrete a mild toxin from their skin that can irritate your eyes or skin.
If you need to handle the frogs, you should do so with clean and moist hands, and only for a short period. You should also wash your hands before and after handling the frogs to prevent the transmission of diseases or parasites.
Misting
Misting is essential for red-eyed tree frog care, as it helps maintain the humidity levels and provide hydration for the frogs.
You should mist the terrarium with dechlorinated water at least twice a day, or more often if the humidity drops below 80%.
You should also provide a shallow water dish for the frogs to soak in, but make sure it is not too deep or large for them to drown in. You should change the water daily and clean the dish regularly to prevent the growth of algae or bacteria.
Cleaning
Cleaning is also important for red-eyed tree frog care, as it helps prevent the buildup of waste and promotes a healthy environment for the frogs.
You should spot-clean the terrarium daily, removing any feces, dead insects, or moldy substrate. You should also do a thorough cleaning of the terrarium every month, replacing the substrate, disinfecting the enclosure and accessories, and rinsing everything with water.
You should also check and clean the filters, pumps, and hoses of the waterfall or fogger if you have one.
Health
Health is another crucial aspect of red-eyed tree frog care, as it affects the well-being and survival of the frogs. You should monitor the health of the frogs regularly, looking for any signs of illness or injury, such as:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Skin lesions
- Discoloration
- Swelling
- Parasites
- Respiratory distress
- Eye problems
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible and isolate the affected frog from the others.
You should also quarantine any new frogs for at least two weeks before introducing them to the terrarium, to prevent the spread of diseases or parasites.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Behavior
Red-eyed tree frog behavior is fascinating and entertaining to observe, as they display a range of social, vocal, and reproductive behaviors. Some of the most common behaviors of red-eyed tree frogs are:
Social Behavior
Red-eyed tree frogs are social animals, and they can live in groups of up to four frogs in the same terrarium.
However, they are also territorial, and they will defend their space and resources from intruders. They will use their vocalizations, body language, and physical contact to communicate and establish dominance.
They will also show aggression towards other frogs of the same sex, especially during the breeding season. You should provide enough space, hiding spots, and plants for each frog to avoid overcrowding and stress.
Vocalizations
Red-eyed tree frogs are vocal animals, and they use their calls for various purposes, such as:
- Communication: Red-eyed tree frogs communicate with each other through different types of calls, such as chirps, trills, croaks, and barks. They use these calls to convey information about their location, mood, status, and intentions. For example, they may use a chirp to attract a mate, a trill to warn off a rival, a croak to signal distress, or a bark to deter a predator.
- Mating: Red-eyed tree frogs use their calls to attract and court potential mates, especially during the rainy season. The males will call loudly and frequently from their perches, hoping to entice the females with their vocal prowess. The females will respond with their own calls, indicating their interests and preferences. The males will then compete with each other for the females' attention, sometimes engaging in physical fights or chases.
- Breeding: Red-eyed tree frogs use their calls to coordinate and synchronize their breeding activities, which usually take place on the leaves or branches overhanging a water source. The males will call to signal their readiness to mate, and the females will follow them to their chosen spot. The males will then embrace the females in a position called amplexus, and fertilize their eggs as they lay them on the leaf or branch. The eggs will hatch into tadpoles after a few days, and drop into the water below.
Red Eyed Tree Frog Life Expectancy
Red-eyed tree frogs can live for a long time in captivity if they are provided with proper care and conditions.
The average lifespan of red-eyed tree frogs is between 5 and 10 years, but some individuals can live up to 15 years or more. The factors that can influence their longevity include:
- Genetics: Some red-eyed tree frogs may have inherited genes that make them more resistant to diseases or environmental stress, or that slow down their aging process.
- Diet: A nutritious and varied diet can help red-eyed tree frogs maintain their health and vitality, and prevent nutritional disorders or obesity.
- Housing: A spacious and well-maintained terrarium can provide red-eyed tree frogs with a comfortable and stimulating environment, and prevent injuries or infections.
- Care: Regular handling, misting, cleaning, and health monitoring can help red-eyed tree frogs avoid stress and detect potential issues early on.
- Veterinary Care: Periodic veterinary checkups can help red-eyed tree frogs receive preventive care and treatment for any diseases or parasites.
Common Diseases
Red-eyed tree frogs are susceptible to various diseases and disorders, some of which can be fatal if left untreated. Some of the most common diseases that can affect red-eyed tree frogs are:
- Metabolic Bone Disease: This is a condition caused by a lack of calcium or vitamin D in the diet, or by inadequate exposure to UVB rays. It results in weak and deformed bones, fractures, paralysis, and death.
- Fungal Infection: This is a condition caused by a fungus that infects the skin, mouth, or internal organs of the frog. It results in skin lesions, ulcers, bleeding, weight loss, and death.
- Bacterial Infection: This is a condition caused by a bacteria that infects the skin, mouth, or internal organs of the frog. It results in skin lesions, ulcers, bleeding, weight loss, and death.
- Parasitic Infection: This is a condition caused by a parasite that infects the skin, blood, or internal organs of the frog. It results in skin lesions, anemia, organ damage, and death.
- Stress: This is a condition caused by environmental or psychological factors that affect the frog's well-being. It results in reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to diseases, and reduced lifespan.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary care is an essential part of red-eyed tree frog care, as it can help prevent and treat many of the diseases and disorders that can affect the frogs.
You should take your red-eyed tree frogs to a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals, and who has experience with amphibians. You should also bring the following items with you:
- The Frog: You should bring the frog in a secure and ventilated container, with a moist paper towel or cloth to keep it hydrated.
- The Terrarium: You should bring a sample of the substrate, water, and food from the terrarium, as well as a picture or description of the enclosure and its components.
- The History: You should provide the veterinarian with information about the frog's origin, age, sex, diet, supplements, behavior, symptoms, and treatments.
The veterinarian will examine the frog, perform tests, diagnose the problem, and prescribe the appropriate medication or procedure.
You should follow the veterinarian's instructions carefully, and monitor the frog's recovery closely. You should also contact the veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns, or if the frog's condition worsens.
Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about red-eyed tree frog care, or if you need help or support, you can visit the Red Eyed Tree Frog Secrets.
This is an ebook that provides comprehensive and detailed information on red-eyed tree frog care, including tips, tricks, and secrets from experts and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Red-eyed tree frogs are amazing and adorable animals, and they can make wonderful pets if you are willing to provide them with proper care and attention.
By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you can ensure that your red-eyed tree frogs are happy and healthy and that you enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling relationship with them.
FAQs about red eyed tree frogs care
How can I tell the sex of my red-eyed tree frog?
You can tell the sex of your red-eyed tree frog by looking at its size, color, and vocal sacs. Males are smaller, brighter, and have larger vocal sacs than females.
How often should I change the substrate in my red-eyed tree frog terrarium?
You should change the substrate in your red-eyed tree frog terrarium every month, or more often if it becomes dirty or moldy. You should also spot-clean the substrate daily to remove any waste or debris.
What are some signs that my red-eyed tree frog is stressed or unhappy?
Some signs that your red-eyed tree frog is stressed or unhappy are hiding excessively, refusing to eat, losing weight, shedding frequently, or showing abnormal behavior or coloration.
Can I keep other types of frogs or animals with my red-eyed tree frog?
You should not keep other types of frogs or animals with your red-eyed tree frog, as they may have different requirements, carry diseases or parasites, or compete or fight with your frog.
How can I breed my red-eyed tree frogs successfully?
You can breed your red-eyed tree frogs successfully by providing them with optimal conditions, such as high humidity, warm temperatures, and ample food. You should also simulate the rainy season by misting the terrarium more frequently and playing recordings of frog calls.
Do red eyed tree frogs need UVB?
Red-eyed tree frogs do not need UVB, as they are nocturnal and do not bask in the sun. However, they still need some lighting to mimic the natural daylight cycle.