Some Newbie Questions...

[akd1217]

Hi all, I am new to this forum, as well as new to raising tads. My son and I are raising 5 bullfrog tadpoles. One of which is now a froglet, 3 have all legs and a tail, and the last one has yet to form his front legs. I plan on keeping one of the frogs, but was told not to release the others until they are bigger, and are eating live food. These guys are so tiny, they could fit their whole body's on a dime. The problem I am having now is getting them to eat. They are so small I am not sure what to feed them, or are they still not feeding because of the metamorphosis process stress? They have thus far shown no interest in the frog and tadpoles bites they were originally eating, I have tried algea wafers, and breaking up freeze dried crickets with no results. I am starting to worry. Any ideas? Also, I wondered if now that they are growing and staying more out of the water, if they should have some sort of heating lamp? Can they be safely handled? Really, any information you can give me on raising these guys is much appreciated, as I am a total newbie, and I really want to do the best I can. Thank you so very much.

[firebellygirl]

I am going through the same thing- only mine are firebelly toads. I have read that they will not eat unil they have absorbed their tails. Then they will eat pinhead crickets, flightless fruit lies and springtails. Mine are no longer interested in the tadpole bites either. Good luck with your frogs.
Also mine have not eaten yet since coming onto land, but they still have their tails so I am hoping in the next few days they will start to eat again. who knew something so small could cause so much stress! lol!

[akd1217]

Yeah, your right about the stress. I am worried they are going to wither away to nothing...lol My first has been a frog, and out of the water for about a week now, with no results of eating. It is nice to know I am not alone tho, so thank you. I am wondering if they need some sort of heat, and maybe they will come to life a bit more and feel like eating...?

[firebellygirl]

As long as their are at room temp I wonulfn't give them any other source of heat I have read where one person's frogs did not eat until 3 weeks after they absorbed their tails. Just keep giving them live food and I think eventually they will start eating. Good luck.