White or Wrong

[ViperJr]

And what's wrong with handling frogs? Mine will climb up onto my hand and push their belly against the skin for warmth. And the toads, when not underground, come out of their tank each night for a good hop around the living room. I'm not talking 'bout naming him George and hug him and pet him and squeeze him (Classic Looney Tunes). From what I've read on other types of frog they are for display only. That's all I'm talking about.

Please note that this is my personal opinion on this particular subject. I'm not claiming that I'm right and that you are wrong, just want to explain what I meant since you asked

"What's wrong" with handling frogs have a quite simple answer, which I will divide in two parts.

1. Will it somehow be beneficial for the frog? No.
- Best case scenario, it will not hurt the frog, but that's it.

2. Can it potentially be dangerous for the frog? Yes.
- Increased stress
- Harmful substances absorbed through the skin
- Physical danger (like ii the frog is dropped)

This is enough reason for me to never handle my frogs. Since they will not gain anything from it, but may be harmed by it, I do not see why "pet" frogs should ever be handled (unless it's needed for another reason, like taking to the vet etc.)


(Another reason why I think "pet" is a bad word for frogs in captivity, since it kind of implies you'll be petting i. The Swedish word "Husdjur" is better, only implying that it's an animal within a house. But now I'm drifting like never before...)

[Surrealasm]

Okay ya'll, so back to my initial querry,

I have been checking out some other species and all that, but for some reason I just really like the Whites tree frog. My girlfriend is just going to have to deal with it.

Now I'm planning my tank construction process and I've come upon another problematic subject...

It seems like White's are relatively messy... and that could be a problem because I'm very pro-live plants.
What is y'alls experience with White's tree frogs destroying your live plants?
Are there any types of plants that are hardier than others?
Finally, if live plants aren't going to work, what are some other tastefull decorative objects I should plan to utilize in my tank design?

I know that Don responded above with a few live plant suggestions, but I was wondering if anyone else had some good ideas/personal experience.

[GrifTheGreat]

Don has a lot of experience with tree frogs. If you want live plants and a Whites Tree frog. I would go with the plants that Don mentioned. Drift wood is a good item to add for climbing. I do not own Whites or tree frogs, but many member of the forum do. Whites are large and heavy bodied. Those are the only live plants that are safe for amphibians that will be able to hold the frog and not die off from their brutal plant thrashing.

[mommyof4froglovers]

I will say I love whites. Our whites belong to my children, but I care for them because my children are 6, 5, 3 and 1. My kids love them and they hang out and they look in the tank to find them. We dont handle unless needed to feed or move them to clean the tank. I have on live plant, I think I am killing it. But the frogs love the plant. I put lots of plants up high but they are the large leafed fake plants. Read the care sheet and you will get great advice.

[JHansson514]

White's are definitely plant crushers. I agree with the plants Don suggested and drift wood is great in the tank! Black Jungle Terrarium Supply - The Natural Choice! has a bunch of great options for plants. I don't necessarily agree with all their suggestions for White's habitats, but it will give you an idea of what's out there and what you may or may not like.

[Surrealasm]

So if this is the case, is it necessary to construct false bottom for their vivarium? I mean I know its not really necessary but is it just pointless?