Frogs can make wonderful pets for the right person. They’re often considered a more exotic choice for a pet and require unique care.
There’s a myriad of frog species available, but for those just beginning their journey into frog ownership, it’s important to find a species that’s relatively easy to care for.
In this article, we’ll explore 16 easy frogs to keep as pets, delving into their characteristics and care requirements.
What Makes a Frog Species Easy to Care For?
Before we dive into the list, it’s crucial to understand what makes a frog species relatively easy to care for. Generally, they require minimal maintenance, have a robust nature, and do not need highly specialized care.
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The ability to thrive in captivity and an agreeable disposition are also key characteristics of easy frog species.
16 Easy Frogs to Keep as Pets
Here’s the list of 16 frog species that are relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for beginners:
American Green Tree Frog
American Green Tree Frogs are small, usually no more than 6 cm long. They are native to the southeastern United States, where they live in a range of habitats including marshlands, forests, and even suburban gardens.
They feed primarily on small invertebrates like insects and spiders. These frogs are nocturnal and are known for their loud calls, which are often heard on warm, rainy nights.
White’s Tree Frog
Native to Australia and New Guinea, these frogs are known for their hardy nature and adaptability. They can grow up to 10 cm in length and have a lifespan of 16 years or more in captivity. They are opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of insects, spiders, and even small mammals or other frogs.
Pacman Frog
Native to South America, the Pacman Frog is named for its large mouth and round body, reminiscent of the video game character.
They are solitary creatures, spending most of their time in one spot waiting for prey to pass by. They require a diet of insects, rodents, and other small animals.
Tomato Frog
Tomato Frogs are native to Madagascar and are known for their bright red coloration, which serves as a warning to predators of their mildly toxic secretions. They are largely terrestrial and require a habitat with plenty of hiding spaces.
African Dwarf Frog
Fully aquatic and native to Sub-Saharan Africa, these frogs are unique among the others on this list. They have a diet of small invertebrates, which they hunt for at the bottom of their aquatic environment.
Gray Tree Frog
These North American native frogs are robust and adaptable, able to tolerate a range of temperatures and humidity levels. They require a diet of small invertebrates.
Bumblebee Dart Frog
Native to Central and South America, Bumblebee Dart Frogs are small and vibrant. Despite their bright coloration, they are not as toxic as other dart frog species, especially when kept in captivity and fed a diet of non-toxic prey.
Oriental Fire-Bellied Toad
Native to Northeast Asia, these frogs are known for their bright green and black dorsal coloration and vividly colored red or orange bellies. They require a semi-aquatic habitat and feed on a diet of small invertebrates.
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
Red-Eyed Tree Frogs are native to Central America and are known for their iconic red eyes, green bodies, and blue and yellow striped sides. They are arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, and require a high humidity environment.
Cuban Tree Frog
These large tree frogs are native to the Caribbean but have become invasive in other parts of the world. They are hardy, adaptable, and not picky eaters, feeding on a variety of invertebrates and even small vertebrates.
Golden Mantella
Native to Madagascar, Golden Mantellas are small, terrestrial frogs. Their bright golden coloration serves as a warning to predators of their toxicity. They feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including insects and spiders.
European Green Toad
As their name suggests, European Green Toads are native to Europe. They are robust and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates.
Amazon Milk Frog
These large tree frogs are native to the Amazon Rainforest in South America. They are arboreal and require a habitat with high humidity and plenty of climbing space.
Budgett’s Frog
Known for their unique appearance, they need a semi-aquatic setup.
Glass Frog
They require a high-humidity environment with plenty of plants for climbing.
Leopard Frog
This species is active and requires a larger terrarium with space to move around.
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Conclusion
Frogs are fascinating creatures that can make excellent pets. The above-listed frogs are considered to be among the easiest to care for, making them suitable for first-time frog owners.
However, remember that ‘easy’ is relative and even these species will need the proper care and attention to thrive.
Always research extensively and make sure you’re ready for the commitment before choosing a pet frog. Your new amphibian friend will thank you!
