My new Xenopus Tads

[BugBoy99]

As you'll only be keeping 3 ... why dont you take them with you when you move, mine have travelled up and down the country with me ... 3 is quite easy to move around :-)

:-( Provincial legislation. Many South African Provinces don't allow you to keep amphibians, of any type, and if you can keep them you need a permit. Permits have at least a month's waiting period, but usually closer to three or four months. If not for that, and the fact that I will be eventually moving to the United States, where I want to study, I would gladly have taken them with me. Thank you for the suggestion, though.

[rodsboys]

I have never heard of crickets injuring an ACF. They are perfectly fine for a treat in my opinion. I don't know that I would feed them anything raw from a chicken. Chickens can be carry salmonella and pass it onto the frogs. Humans don't generally suffer from it because we cook it. Ox heart sounds like a bad idea at first thought, but I immediately think of beef heart and how fatty and unhealthy it is.
A lot of the ingredients in prepared food are natural foods for these frogs. I will admit not too many frogs would be going after corn and wheat though. The food is safe, digestible, and created by a regulated process so I would not discount it.

[BugBoy99]

There are several states in the U.S. that do not allow keeping Xenopus unless you have a special permit. Most of the states are on the west coast. What will you be studying and what university will you be attending?

I have read that many states in the U.S do not allow people to keep Xenopus as pets, which is why I said that It'd be easier to find a new owner for the frogs when I leave.

As For the studying, I was planning on studying entomology at the University of Kentucky. But, I am a devout Christian, and much of the studies are evolution based. So, I am considering studying Creation Sciences at the Christ for the Nations Institute(which is in Texas), before studying further. I think that that would give me the necessary background, to defend my beliefs. Because, although I love animals, I do not believe in evolution, and I hope that no-one thinks any less of me for it.

Also, Amphibians seem to be attracting more of my attention lately, so I might decide to study Herpetology. However, I'm also greatly interested in fish, and some invertebrates. So, maybe I will study zoology, and then branch out from there. That would seem to be the easiest solution because, if I take zoology as a major, I can branch out into any other field of study if I wish to do so.

I still need to do some research on where I would study zoology, but I have looked at the University of Iowa.

Thank you for asking,
Joh

[tgampper]

Hi Joh:

As For the studying, I was planning on studying entomology at the University of Kentucky. But, I am a devout Christian, and much of the studies are evolution based. So, I am considering studying Creation Sciences at the Christ for the Nations Institute(which is in Texas), before studying further. I think that that would give me the necessary background, to defend my beliefs. Because, although I love animals, I do not believe in evolution, and I hope that no-one thinks any less of me for it.

It is really refreshing to see someone make decisions based on their faith. Personally, I am somewhere in the middle between creationism and evolution. I believe that there can be physiological changes within species over time but life certainly didn't come from a bowl of primeval soup.

Also, Amphibians seem to be attracting more of my attention lately, so I might decide to study Herpetology. However, I'm also greatly interested in fish, and some invertebrates. So, maybe I will study zoology, and then branch out from there. That would seem to be the easiest solution because, if I take zoology as a major, I can branch out into any other field of study if I wish to do so.

I still need to do some research on where I would study zoology, but I have looked at the University of Iowa.

If I had to do it all over again, I would study herpetology. The University of Iowa is a great place to study, so is Iowa State. Iowa is a beautiful state and quite diverse. I think you will like Iowa. If you want to know more, PM me with any questions you may have. If you want to study herpetology, check out the University of Kansas, they have an excellent biodiversity institute. Many well-known herpetologists have studied or are teaching there Herpetology Home | Herpetology.

[rodsboys]

Iowa is a beautiful state and quite diverse.

I have to disagree as I am no fan of pigs and corn.... lol, I could not resist. I had the misfortune of being from Illinois and it is no different.

[mpmistr]

Walk down street... tons of corn.. drive to Effingham.. reeks of hogs.. yup not much to this state once you leave Chicago..

[tgampper]

I have to disagree as I am no fan of pigs and corn.... lol, I could not resist. I had the misfortune of being from Illinois and it is no different.

OK, just trying to be nice

[BugBoy99]

OK, just trying to be nice

Well, it was nice of you to say. I guess I'll find out for myself when I get there. Richards Bay is not much different, except that around here its sugar cane and horses.

[BugBoy99]

I have never heard of crickets injuring an ACF.

I do not imagine that crickets would do any damage to an ACF, but I have heard that they can cause some harm. I thought that perhaps, this was in the case of very sensitive frogs?

[mpmistr]

I do not imagine that crickets would do any damage to an ACF, but I have heard that they can cause some harm. I thought that perhaps, this was in the case of very sensitive frogs?

The only negative I've heard is that the crickets hind legs are not digestible so they would be expelled in feces, so probably a little rough on the digestive tract of the frog (which itself is rather delicate). I suppose they could cause an intestinal blockage and constipation and I doubt they would feel very good to poop out either way. It's recommended that you snap the hind legs off first.

Then again, as a treat probably isn't a huge deal, I imagine it would only be a negative impact on the frog if fed on a continual basis and would highly depend on the size of the frog and said cricket.. (I would personally just break the legs off, to be safe.)

I would love to introduce some insects to the diet of my ACF, however crickets do not appear to be ideal and I am weary of anything wild caught around here. I live in corn country, so lots (and lots and lots!) of pesticides.

[BugBoy99]

Aaaah, that explains why people sometimes say that crickets can cause problems. Thank you for clarifying that for us. If I ever feed crickets, I shall remove the legs. I fed earthworms today, and the frogs greatly enjoyed them. The froglets are stuffed. I guess its rather like froggie spaghetti.