Potential New Owner Questions

[Saracirce]

I would love to own a pacman frog sometime in the future, however I'd like to see how far away that is. It'll at least be another two years before I can have one. I should probably also mention this will be my first amphibian.

I currently live in a small, remote town. The nearest pet store is an hour away and the nearest reptile vet (in the US) is around 5 hours away. I'm assuming the nearest amphibian vet would be around there too but I'd have to look it up. Is it rare that a pacman frog would need to go to the vet? Obviously, if it's common that issues pop up that absolutely require a vet, both I and the frog would be screwed. I'm not the type of person to keep an animal if there isn't a vet around who will treat it so I'd like the risks to be as minimal as possible.

Far as other things I'd need, I plan on having a dubia roach colony for my Red Eared Slider (she's a rescue, which is the only reason I have her) so I'd have a steady supply of insects for pretty much any insectivore but I'm also not opposed to ordering insects online to give variety to their diets. I plan to keep a good stock of equipment and supplies (including medical) just in case, there's a store in town (aka Walmart xD) that sells cheap basics (I would really only use their stuff in an emergency), and I'd be willing to drive that hour to the other town if needed.

Eventually, I do plan on moving to a bigger city as I dream of keeping reptiles and other amphibians so, if you guys feel it's better, I'm willing to wait a while.

[Lija]

hi and welcome to the forum!
it is uncommon for a healthy pacman frog to be in need of vet as long as you provide good healthy food and proper conditions, but of course, you can't be ever guaranteed you will never need one. there is dr. Frye ( ph in a tree frog section of the forum) that would help over emails and ship meds if needed to any US address.
just make sure you know as much as you can before getting one, have everything set up properly and get a frog from reputable breeder such as Mike or Ivory ( both on forum).

and of course for all you frog questions stick around with us here

[Mentat]

Welcome to FF Sara ! First thing would do is read this: Frog Forum - Pacman and Horned Frogs - Ceratophrys - Care and Breeding. Second would be to call or send an email to Dr. Fry: Milan Area Animal Hospital, David M. Frye, DVM, Veterinary services in Milan, MI, Home page. Ask if he could provide remote veterinary services for your frog. I know he has done fecal tests and sold frog medications to forum members. Third would be to get a proper enclosure set-up and you are ready to go.

Dubias are fine, would recommend you start ASAP so colony is multiplying well by frog's arrival; can feed excess to turtle. Also, earthworms make great live food. You can get those locally at pet shops, bait and tackle shops, or Walmart's sport section. Just make sure they are not dyed! Also, can get a bunch and start your own culture. Lot's of info in YouTube and Google on setting up colonies for both Dubias and worms.

Are Pacmans available locally or do you plan to order online? Since you are in remote area, only thing I would do after getting frog is an anti-parasite treatment schedule with Panacur. Other than that, follow care sheet and ask any questions you may have. Good luck !

[tinkgirl77]

Welcome Sara!

.:* Lisa *:.
laissez le bon temps roulet! :-)

[Saracirce]

Are Pacmans available locally or do you plan to order online? Since you are in remote area, only thing I would do after getting frog is an anti-parasite treatment schedule with Panacur. Other than that, follow care sheet and ask any questions you may have. Good luck !

I would be ordering the frog online. I have a hard time trusting pet stores XD I'm honestly not even sure if the pet store closest to me sells pacmans (I haven't been to it yet but not for lack of wanting to go). I've already looked up several care sheets and information on Pacmans, which is how I decided I wanted one. I never dive into getting an animal until I know for sure I'm capable of caring for it and I like everything about them. I will give those links you guys posted a looksie though :3

That's also good to know there's a vet that helps out via emails and shipping. Makes me a lot less worried. xD Last thing I want is to get an animal only for them to get sick and be unable to help them in any way.

EDIT: Thanks for the welcomes btw. And I would already have the colony except that someone I live with doesn't want 'gross bugs that carry diseases' in the house so it has to wait until I'm able to move out on my own. She's pretty dead set against them.

[Lija]

I I never dive into getting an animal until I know for sure I'm capable of caring for it and I like everything about them.

i respect you for that big time! way to go!

[DVirginiana]

Welcome, and thanks for doing your research before getting a frog! If the dubias are the only reason you would be waiting that long, it's worth mentioning that they can live fine on a staple of nightcrawlers with occasional pinkies or frozen/thawed silversides as treats. Variety is good for them though.

If you keep the frog in proper conditions, a vet usually isn't necessary. About the only problem I can think of that is common even in healthy pacs is impaction, but the treatment for that is usually just a soak in warm water with a few drops of honey in it.

[Saracirce]

Actually, I'm not allowed to bring in any live bugs at all. I'm currently resorting to feeding my turtle freeze-dried or frozen mealworms which, needless to say, isn't optimal. I even have to do some of the shopping myself to ensure my turtle gets the proper veggies. (No matter how many lists I make for them or how many times I tell them, they consistently buy the wrong things) I'd rather wait until I move out before getting another animal that eats bugs.

Aside from that, we just don't have room for another animal right now. Currently have six people with 8 animals all living in one house. Don't even have the room to upgrade my turtle's tank, which she really needs. Kinda cramped, if you know what I'm saying xD

[DVirginiana]

Hm... Completely not frog-related, but have you tried frozen/thawed silversides for your turtle? They come in a plastic bag you can stick in the freezer, and can be ordered online if there's no petstore nearby. I rescued a box turtle last summer, and she loves them. They'd work fine for sliders too. Plus, if you chop them up with other food, the smell will usually convince even a picky turtle to eat new things.