Soaking Stress?

[dpcsquid]

I hope this isn't too stupid a question to ask.

I've read that a lot of you soak your frogs weekly and thought I should give it a try. Today I prepared lukewarm dechlorinated water, placed it in a small soaking container, and put Dip in there...who proceeded to FREAK OUT. He/she puffed up and I /think/ turned pale, although those might have just been dirt coming off and showing true colors. I kept him/her in there for about 5-10 minutes before putting him/her back, and he immediately tried burrowing himself.

Should I continue to try this on a weekly basis, or is this something that this little guy just isn't going to tolerate? I'm just now trying to introduce a few waxworms to his diet for variety, but so far he hasn't given them a go, so I don't have anything to offer in the way of treats after soaking. Did you all start from a young age with your Pacs? My guy is almost 3 inches (just got him a month ago) and I'm wondering if I should try it with my quarter-sized one.

Thanks so much!

[GrifTheGreat]

I hope this isn't too stupid a question to ask.

I've read that a lot of you soak your frogs weekly and thought I should give it a try. Today I prepared lukewarm dechlorinated water, placed it in a small soaking container, and put Dip in there...who proceeded to FREAK OUT. He/she puffed up and I /think/ turned pale, although those might have just been dirt coming off and showing true colors. I kept him/her in there for about 5-10 minutes before putting him/her back, and he immediately tried burrowing himself.

Should I continue to try this on a weekly basis, or is this something that this little guy just isn't going to tolerate? I'm just now trying to introduce a few waxworms to his diet for variety, but so far he hasn't given them a go, so I don't have anything to offer in the way of treats after soaking. Did you all start from a young age with your Pacs? My guy is almost 3 inches (just got him a month ago) and I'm wondering if I should try it with my quarter-sized one.

Thanks so much!

It is best to start when they're young because if gives more time for them to get used to the soaks. Dip was probably stressed because he doesn't feel secure and safe outside of his enclosure. Some that are used to being soaked will still get grumpy occasionally when given a soak, but most become accustomed to it. Even an older frog can become accustomed to the soaks. Just don't try and do it weekly at first. Soak him about once every two weeks and ease into once a week. If you must just place him in his own water dish where he feels secure. It isn't unusual for them to get a little upset when you take them out for a soak though. They don't really like to be handled much.

I will say this. How you treat them and react to them affects how they respond to you and your actions. Animals can sence emotions and therefore predict your intent. Do your best to allow your frog to feel secure with you. If you aren't seen as a threat then they will respond to you without aggression or fear. Not one of mine fears me and never feels threatened by me. Most will say that talking to your frog makes them feel threatened or scared, but I feel that it lets them know your there and if you announce your presence before performing whatever task you intend to do with your frog then they relate your voice to you and if every action you perform is seen as not hostile they will become used to you and eventually be calm around you and whatever tasks you perform in their home and with them.

Now this is not true for all frogs or Pacman Frogs. Each has its own personality and temperament so I can not assure that your frog will feel complete trust and allow you to handle it without it reacting annoyed or actually liking it. After all its in there nature to fear man and to not like being handled so if you can attest get them to allow you to eventually soak them outside their home without them trying bite you or escape you'll be doing fine.

I know these aren't the most encouraging words, but that's how it is. I received my first bite a couple days ago and I can honestly say that while it is not a pleasant experience, it isn't terrible either. Just a little blood and the frog didn't robot on purpose. It was my fault for assuming that he hadn't swallowed his mouthful of food yet and I reached in front of his face so he though I was offering more food and bit my finger. Do not reach in and place you fingers in front of your hungry frog during feeding time Lol!!