Concerns about Waxy Monkey Tree Frog...

[toxxxickitten]

I ALWAYS do research before obtaining a new species of critter that I've never had or thinking about getting soon. However, I think, this time I didn't really do enough research and looking for some opinions.

I bought Smeagol (Phyllomedusa sauvagei) about 4 months ago and I don't think I have him properly set up. When I first got him he was bright green and active and readily ate both crickets & roaches. Now, he doesn't seem too interested in eating at all and this worries me. He has turned a dull green color thes past two days and through a little research it seems that he is unhappy/stressed. He pretty much sits in one spot ALL day which is under his heating lamp, which I'm thinking maybe isn't hot enough for him? It gets in the high 70s to low 80s, and I've read that they can tolerate temperatures up in the 100s. The bulb is just a 60W incandescent house bulb. I've also read that any sort of humidity what-so-ever can easily cause them bacterial infections since this species does not take kindly to humidity like most species of frogs, so I have him in a 16" x 16" x 20" Repti-Breeze which is an all screen cage. Do you think maybe this size is too big?? I've read they can be kept in a 20 to 30 gallon tank fine. If I did my calculation correct then his sized enclosure comes out to be about 22 gallons, so maybe not too big? Doing a little more Googling I've found some care sheets that say that UVB light is required, even though they are a nocturnal species. Is there any truth to this? I have his enclosure decorated minimally: He has a large piece of spider wood to climb on, fake vines wrapped around the spider wood to make it look a little prettier, and a large water dish for him to soak in (I've seem him soak in it at night a time or two). There's no substrate in the bottom - just my preference and it makes it easier to clean the enclosure. The bottom is just plastic - what came with the repti-breeze for the bottom.

I'm really worried since Smeagol's recent color change. I'm probably being paranoid and probably have figured out my own mistakes, but just looking for a little guidance.

[Zalesa]

I would get a UVB bulb. I'm not an expert on Waxy's but I know that Tree Frogs need the UVB so, try that and see if it helps!
~Lauryn

[toxxxickitten]

I would get a UVB bulb. I'm not an expert on Waxy's but I know that Tree Frogs need the UVB so, try that and see if it helps!
~Lauryn

I'm not sure I've heard that Tree Frogs need UVB? I also keep Grey Trees, a Green Tree and White's Tree Frog....do they need UVB light too? I haven't had any concerns with these species.

[Terrarium Supplies]

Hi Kitty, first of all can you fire up some recent pics of Smeagol and his setup for correct evaluation?

Waxies are supprising hardly animals if cared for correctly.

[mrzoggs]

I would get a UVB bulb. I'm not an expert on Waxy's but I know that Tree Frogs need the UVB so, try that and see if it helps!
~Lauryn

Ive never heard of Tree frogs NEEDING uvb light. As for my Red eyes i use no light at all. The only light they would need is for temperature. Some people use for daylight also.

I'm not sure I've heard that Tree Frogs need UVB? I also keep Grey Trees, a Green Tree and White's Tree Frog....do they need UVB light too? I haven't had any concerns with these species.

Have you got a fecal check done? I would suggest doing that ASAP. Ive never read anything about Waxy Monkey Frogs but maybe its something such as parasites or worms.

[toxxxickitten]

Hi Kitty, first of all can you fire up some recent pics of Smeagol and his setup for correct evaluation?

Waxies are supprising hardly animals if cared for correctly.

I will get some photos of his enclosure up some time tomorrow. I just got off work and am beat, plus I have an early errand to run in the morning.

Ive never heard of Tree frogs NEEDING uvb light. As for my Red eyes i use no light at all. The only light they would need is for temperature. Some people use for daylight also.



Have you got a fecal check done? I would suggest doing that ASAP. Ive never read anything about Waxy Monkey Frogs but maybe its something such as parasites or worms.

I have not had a fecal check done. I can't remember what the previous owner had told me how long he had had him. I want to say 2 years...but I am not sure. I don't think it would just now develop parasites if he's been fine in the previous owner's care?

[toxxxickitten]

Here are the pictures.

His set up:


Closer of the inside:


He has gone from his perch to down here. He has now taken up a minty green coloration.


I'm thinking his temps may be too low? I measured his usual spot with my temp gun and it ranged from 75-77*F. Where he is "hiding" now the temp was about 74*F