Concern over a mistreated frog.

[Gnag the nameless]

Recently, I learned that a friend of a friend of mine had been keeping a frog (apparently a bullfrog or Green frog (Rana Clamitans)), and has kept it since it was raised from a tadpole. Of course, I was interested and wanted to know more, so I talked to the girl in person about her frog. Apparently, she has been keeping it in a plastic bucket , didn't do a water change for 2 months and still does very few, and acts as if she cares nothing for it (I know, because not only was she the person who said to me "It's just a frog. If it dies, it dies," when I thought my Gnag had eaten a rock, but she also refrains from talking about her own frog, and even when I asked for a photo of it so I could identify the species and gender, she refused, saying she didn't care). I'm very concerned for the frog, but I don't want to hurt her feelings either, so I'm really unsure of what to do. She's also said her frog is getting "fat", so I'm worried it has bloat (in polluted water that has not been refreshed, it is very likely).

Should I link her to the Frog Forum so you guys can give her advice on how to properly care for a frog, attempt to confiscate it, or what? Please give me some advice, I'm stumped on what to do here, but if she hasn't done a water change for 2 months AND been kept in a simple, plastic bucket, her frog is not likely to be in good condition. I can only dread how often she feeds it.

[Mentat]

... Should I link her to the Frog Forum so you guys can give her advice on how to properly care for a frog, attempt to confiscate it, or what? Please give me some advice, I'm stumped on what to do here, but if she hasn't done a water change for 2 months AND been kept in a simple, plastic bucket, her frog is not likely to be in good condition. I can only dread how often she feeds it.

Hi Caspian! What a froggy dilema ? You will probably get many varied responses to it. Understand how we all feel about frogs; but this lady appears to have made it clear to "bug off," so don't think she wants advice. You have not seen the frog; so she could be actually pulling your leg. Or it might be true and the frog in not being cared for right.

You could contact animal welfare authorities (if available). However; since you haven't seen the abused frog, you are opening yourself to an embarrassment and maybe a lawsuit.

Confiscate the frog? What do you plan to do? Forced "break in and enter" to rescue a frog? That could end up from very bad to total disaster. My advice... walk away from this issue and be nice to your frogs !

[Gnag the nameless]

Yeah, I know. I might investigate more, but I don't think there's really anything I can do in a situation like this, except tell her if her frog ever gets sick, or is acting strange, contact me. Hopefully, she's just pulling my leg about the bucket and "2 months without water change".

I don't think I'd go that far, but it's always an option. It's just hard for me to stand by while an animal is being badly mistreated, or mistreated at all.

I think I'm just going to buy her a 20 gallon long tank, and some decor and necessary equipment for it, and then give it to her for her frog. It's the best option at the moment.

[MatthewM1]

Honestly I wouldn't buy the equipment for her. Having all that stuff would probably make her more inclined to neglect another frog if this one passes. I think you trying to help her is the best you can do for the little guy.

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[Gnag the nameless]

On second thought, you're probably right. I'll see as it goes.

[deranged chipmunk]

Honestly I wouldn't buy the equipment for her. Having all that stuff would probably make her more inclined to neglect another frog if this one passes. I think you trying to help her is the best you can do for the little guy.

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i agree with Matt. Caspian, you have a passion for frogs that is unbelievably admirable. but keep in mind, you can't force your level of passion onto people. however, you can be subtle about helping the frog. be a friend to the owner first and foremost. ask about the frog every so often, but not every time you see them. offer some of your "extra" crickets that you won't be able to use since you "mistakenly bought too many". subtle little things like that may work for you

[Bombina Bob]

I agree caspan, the frog needs some imminate care. i can possibly adopt the frog if its urgent.