White Tree Frog Care

White Tree Frog Care are insectivores, primarily feeding on a diet of crickets, roaches, and worms. Occasionally, they can be given small pinky mice as a treat, but these should not be a regular part of their diet. It’s important to dust their food with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients.

Creating a suitable habitat for White Tree Frogs involves setting up an enclosure that mimics their natural environment. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for one adult frog, with additional space needed for more frogs. Vertical space is essential as these frogs are arboreal.

The substrate can be coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of both, which helps maintain the required humidity levels. Maintain humidity around 50-70% and provide a shallow water dish for soaking and drinking.

White Tree Frogs can grow to be quite large for a tree frog, with adults reaching lengths of 3 to 4.5 inches (7.5 to 11.5 cm). Females tend to be larger than males. Their size and relatively long lifespan, which can be over 20 years in captivity with proper care, make them a long-term commitment.

Species Summary

The White tree frog, also known as the dumpy tree frog or Australian green tree frog (Litoria caerulea), is a species native to Australia and New Guinea. These frogs are popular as pets due to their docile nature and ease of care. They have distinctive, smooth, and often green skin that can sometimes appear blue. This species can grow up to 4-5 inches in length and is known for its chubby appearance and large, sticky toe pads that aid in climbing.

White tree frogs are nocturnal and arboreal, preferring to live in trees and other elevated areas. They thrive in humid environments and are commonly found near water sources. Their diet consists mainly of insects, such as crickets and moths, but they will also eat smaller vertebrates on occasion. These frogs have a lifespan of up to 16 years in captivity. They are notable for their loud, distinctive call and their ability to adapt to a variety of environments, including urban areas.

Appearance & Colors

White Tree Frog Care, also known as Dumpy Tree Frogs or Australian Green Tree Frogs, has a robust and stocky appearance. Their skin is typically smooth and can range in color from vibrant green to shades of blue-green or even brown, depending on their environment and mood.

Some individuals may display small white or gold spots scattered across their back. Their underbelly is generally white or pale, and their large, expressive eyes are often golden or coppery with horizontal pupils. Their toes are equipped with adhesive pads, aiding in climbing.

Lifespan

White tree frogs (Litoria caerulea), also known as dumpy tree frogs, typically live for about 10 to 15 years in captivity when provided with proper care.

Average Size

White Tree Frog Care, also known as Litoria caerulea or dumpy tree frogs, typically grow to an average size of about 3 to 4.5 inches (7.5 to 11.5 cm) in length. Females are usually larger than males, often reaching the upper end of this size range.

White Tree Frog Care

Housing: Provide a spacious terrarium with plenty of climbing opportunities. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for one frog, and larger tanks are needed for multiple frogs.

Lighting: White Tree Frogs are nocturnal, so they do not require UVB lighting.

Diet: They are voracious eaters and primarily insectivorous. Feed them appropriately sized crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and other insects.

Water: Make sure it’s clean and filled with dechlorinated water.

Handling: Handle them sparingly and with clean, wet hands to avoid harming their sensitive skin.

Health: Regularly check for signs of illness or injury, such as changes in skin color, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Consult a veterinarian experienced with amphibians if you notice any issues.

Enclosure Size

Minimum Size: A single adult White Tree Frog should have an enclosure that is at least 18 inches (45 cm) long, 18 inches (45 cm) wide, and 24 inches (60 cm) tall.

Vertical Space: These frogs are arboreal, meaning they like to climb. Ensure the enclosure has plenty of vertical space with branches, vines, or tall plants to climb on.

Humidity and Temperature: Maintain a humidity level of around 50-70% and a temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C). Provide a gradient so the frog can thermoregulate.

Decoration: Add live or artificial plants for hiding spots and climbing surfaces. Ensure any plants used are non-toxic to frogs.

Habitat Setup

Enclosure: Use a glass terrarium or a similar enclosure that is spacious enough for the frog to move around comfortably. A 20-gallon tank is typically suitable for one or two frogs.

Substrate: Choose a substrate that retains moisture well, such as coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or eco-earth. This helps maintain humidity levels and allows the frog to burrow if desired.

Humidity and Water: White Tree Frog Care requires high humidity levels (around 50-70%). You can achieve this by misting the enclosure daily and providing a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking.

Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day, with a slight drop at night. This can be achieved with a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter on one side of the tank. Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures.

Lighting: These frogs are nocturnal and do not require UVB lighting. Use a low-wattage incandescent or LED bulb for daytime lighting, keeping it on a 12-hour cycle.

Hiding Places: Provide plenty of hiding spots with live or artificial plants, cork bark, or hollow logs. This gives the frogs security and helps reduce stress.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Replace water in the dish daily and clean the substrate periodically to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature:

Daytime: Keep the temperature around 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day.

Nighttime: Temperatures can drop slightly, but it’s best to keep it above 70°F (21°C).

Humidity: This can be maintained by misting the enclosure daily and providing a shallow water dish.

Lighting: These frogs are nocturnal, so they do not require UVB lighting like diurnal reptiles do. However, providing a low-wattage, broad-spectrum light during the day can help simulate a day-night cycle and promote natural behavior.

Habitat Setup:

Use a large, vertically oriented terrarium to accommodate their arboreal nature.
Use a substrate like coconut fiber or bark chips that can hold moisture well.

Feeding: White Tree Frog Care are primarily insectivores. Dust insects with a calcium supplement occasionally. It’s important to monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer to ensure they remain within this range, as it helps to keep their skin healthy and prevent dehydration.

Water

White Tree Frog Care, also known as dumpy tree frogs, require clean, non-chlorinated water for swimming and hydrating. It’s crucial to use dechlorinated water or water treated with a reptile-safe water conditioner to ensure their health. Regularly clean and replace the water to prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene in their enclosure. If you have more specific questions about caring for White tree frogs or their habitat, feel free to ask!

Food & Diet

Insects: They primarily eat insects such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and cockroaches. These should be appropriately sized for the frog to swallow comfortably.

Other Invertebrates: They may also consume other invertebrates like earthworms, silkworms, and small feeder fish.

Vegetation: Although they are primarily insectivorous, they may occasionally consume small amounts of vegetation like fruits and vegetables.

Supplements: It’s important to provide calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure they receive proper nutrition, especially when feeding them insects that have been raised on a poor diet.

Feeding Frequency: Adults typically need to be fed every 2-3 days, while juveniles may need feeding more frequently.

Potential Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): This is a common issue in reptiles and amphibians kept in captivity. It results from a lack of calcium, vitamin D3, or improper UVB lighting, leading to weakened bones and skeletal deformities.

Skin Issues: Frogs can develop skin problems such as fungal infections (e.g., chytridiomycosis) or bacterial infections, especially if their enclosure is not kept clean or if they are stressed.

Parasites: Internal parasites can affect frogs, especially if they are wild-caught or kept in unclean conditions.

Obesity: Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can predispose frogs to other health issues.

Stress-related Issues: Environmental stressors, such as inappropriate temperatures, humidity levels, or handling, can weaken the frog’s immune system and make it more susceptible to diseases.