Encouraging news (for anyone else worrying about a new WTF)

[dadmccabe]

Dear Friends,

Approximately 3 weeks ago, I was stressing about leaving my new (juvenile) WTF for a long weekend b/c I had some unexpected business travel.

1. I'm brand new to caring for a frog.
2. she was left (w/ very specific instructions) to be cared for by someone who was "reluctant" at best.
And
3. The WTF is technically my daughter's pet and she'd be heart broken if her little pal "Glitter" met an untimely fate... FYI - Glitter was seemingly healthy, active, hungry, etc. when I left town...

Anyway, the 1st week after I got back - Glitter was sluggish, not eating, keeping "odd" hours, staying on the ground, etc. I had seen these symptoms posted on the forum; and seemingly each story (I read) ended with certain demise (I was already scouting local pet stores for replacements)

So I was worried... And from reading the forum, it appeared as if interventions such as: force feedings, medicines, and special baths, were all very stressful and often unsuccessful. I also noticed that many people suggest keeping things very simple. I decided to do just that, taking a very "Hands Off" approach. I referred closely to the WTF care sheet that I had printed (from the forum) and had been using all along: Precise heat/humidity control, fresh water, fresh food, and finally - leave the frog (and her enclosure) alone...

Well, good news! Glitter seems to be thriving! She went that 1st week w/o eating, the next week eating one cricket per night, and now she's eating two each night. She's active, exploring, bathing, and pooping like a champ!

I can't say for sure if Glitter was actually sick or still adjusting to her new home, and I won't pretend that I'm 100% confident she's completely out of the woods now... but I will say to anyone new... Slow down and keep it simple. You will develop a new appreciation and respect for the animal, and their environment, in the process.

thanks Frog Forum!!