Newbie question on diets. Looking for advice on feeding and species choice

[Muze813]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum. I am very experienced with reef and planted aquariums....not at all experienced with the husbandry of frogs and toads. I love amphibians though, and have been thinking about adding one to my home. I will definitely be doing more research before I actually acquire an animal, but I wanted to ask a few direct questions on here about something that is at the forefront of my thoughts and planning for this: diet. PLease give me some advice on feeding practices and what species might be good for me!

I have acquired a terrarium that has a capacity of several gallons. I have not planted it yet, so I could do a dryer or more tropical set up based on species. It will be a fairly low tech set-up. Room temperature (which for my house is normally low or mid 70's). I can mist it as much as needed. I do not plan to put any electrical components on it (lights, heaters, etc). I can place it an area with lots of light though, and it would not get below 70 degrees. I am looking for a smaller species. I'm also guessing I would need a species that is not very demanding. I would be open to a frog or toad. I would even consider a praying mantis if amphibians would not do well in this setup.

For feeding, I have to be honest, I want nothing to do with crickets. I am scared of them. I kept some smaller lizards and snakes when I was younger...I would find crickets in random places, including on my nose in the middle of the night. lol I don't really want to deal with them at this stage in my life. I also don't want to have roaches in the house. I have read on this forum about the dangers of feeding mealworms. I could do wingless fruit flies (my fish would love them as well). Are there any other recommended foods? I was also wondering about supplementing with dried insects (I could create movement with tongs) Any type of worms I am fine with too.

So please give me advice for what my feeding options might be and what sorts of species could do well in that sort of setup. I just want some life in my terrarium, and I love frogs and toads. I know that I am a total newb with these guys. I am not going to run out and get an animal, but I wanted some advice on what to start looking. Are toads easier to feed if one needs to do a non-cricket diet? I know that they will consume earthworms and hard shelled bugs. I love the poison dart frogs, but I believe most of them need more specialized housing. Maybe there is a small tree frog that would fit the bill? Please help. I am completely open to suggestions. Thank you

Christina

[Bombina Bob]

Hi there
I understand that many people are squeemish with crickets! if you are planning to keep crickets, i would keep them in a large rubbermaid container with a few egg crates and feed them vegitables, and heres a good link to feeding frogs if you hate bugs- Dealing with Crickets for the Squeamish Pet Owner ive never tried these techniques myself but i would use earthworms if you cant get crickets, they are kinda squirmy though. if they are too large, you mat need to cut them into smaller pieces. If you do get earthworms, i would get them from an area without pesdicides or fertalizers.

Good luck with your new frog and the food