Hello, and A Few Questions

[Flyinguineapig]

Hello everyone!

My name's Katie. I'm from the North Shore (of Boston) and I'm finishing my second year of college. I live at home and commute to school, and I'm interested in getting a small pet. I'm very interested in taking care of a Pacman frog. They seem like really cool little animals and I had a few questions.

I've done some research and most people agree that they need to be kept at between 70 to 80 degrees, but one website said room temperature (around 65) is fine. Is this so?

I saw a YouTube video of one guy who kept 2 frogs in the same tank. Is it okay to keep more than one together?

What is the best thing to feed them? One website said crickets are best but worms are okay. Are worms just as good or should I go with crickets?

Finally, where would be a good place to get my little froggy? I would prefer to get one from a petstore, and I'm willing to take a long-ish drive, but I don't know of any stores in the area. Would anyone happen to know of a good one? I know getting fish online is not advisable, but is it okay with frogs?

Thanks,

Katie

[TheHornedToad]

Hello,

There is a lot of information out there but follow this care sheet Pacman and Horned Frogs - Ceratophrys - Care and Breeding this care sheet is on frogforum i just copied the link; it is one of the best care sheets out there. Do not keep two pacman frogs together. Pacman frogs wont hesitate to eat each other, you might lose both frogs if one chokes on the other. Worms are much better nutritionally then crickets, I would use worms as a staple and feed other items to mix it up. I have ordered many frogs online and they all arrived fine. I would recommend ordering online because you can order from a reputable breeder or store. Going to a pet store you have a very limited choice on color morphs and the stores usually don't know how to take care of them. Another great place that would be worth driving to is a reptile expo. Reptile expos are awesome and they should have many great frog there. Have fun!

[Mentat]

Hello everyone! My name's Katie. I'm from the North Shore (of Boston) and I'm finishing my second year of college. I live at home and commute to school, and I'm interested in getting a small pet. I'm very interested in taking care of a Pacman frog. They seem like really cool little animals and I had a few questions.
Hello Katie and welcome to FF ! What are you majoring on?

I've done some research and most people agree that they need to be kept at between 70 to 80 degrees, but one website said room temperature (around 65) is fine. Is this so?
65F ! Please read the care information on the link provided by THD. Do not follow anything from a site that says 65F is good for Pacmans. At that temperature your frog will suffer damage to kidneys and other organs. It will cause edema and although bringing back the frog to proper temps might help with edema; the organ damage is permanent and the frog will live a shorter life... so much for good advice !

I saw a YouTube video of one guy who kept 2 frogs in the same tank. Is it okay to keep more than one together?
No! Leave that to expert breeders and fools (no relation to each other ).

What is the best thing to feed them? One website said crickets are best but worms are okay. Are worms just as good or should I go with crickets?
Earthworms (i.e. nightcrawlers) are the best food. Can get those at pet shops or bait and tackle stores (even Walmart); just make sure they have no additives like dyes). Also, gut fed crickets (carrots, veggies, oranges) are good for roughage and diet variation. Worms with pincers (beetle larvae like mealworms) are too fatty and can hurt your frog insides with those pincers). Dust with calcium 2x and vitamins 1x per week on different days and skip a day between dustings (recommend Repashy or ReptoCal). You do not need to feed mice!

Finally, where would be a good place to get my little froggy? I would prefer to get one from a petstore, and I'm willing to take a long-ish drive, but I don't know of any stores in the area. Would anyone happen to know of a good one? I know getting fish online is not advisable, but is it okay with frogs?
Chain pet stores are a hit and miss and would not recommend to a novice because you won't be able to tell a healthy from a sick frog. Mom & Pops type stores with large reptile/amphib sections are usually OK. Look at enclosure and if water is clean, frog is on right substrate and alert should be OK. For online ordering ensure seller has live delivery guarantee and be there to receive and sign for frog on arrival day. MikeFrogs sells Pacman here so maybe you want to contact him and check what he's got available.

Enclosure can be something as simple as a critter keeper plastic box (Amazon.com: Exo Terra Breeding Box, Medium: Pet Supplies) or one of the 12x12x12 in. enclosures by ExoTerra or Zoomed. If your room is very cool the ZooMed is a better choice because the top can handle a 60W bulb versus 25W with ExoTerra's. If going with a plastic breeder box the ZooMed Mini heat pad can be affixed to its side and help warm it; but if room too cold will probably need help from a light. If frog is an albino variety the light will need to be red or black (moonlight type) to protect albino frog's eyes and skin. Other than that you need substrate (shredded coco coir like Soil Plantation or Eco Earth) and a water dish for frog to soak in dechlorinated water. Once you get your frog try and get a fecal exam for parasites done at veterinary if possible. That will help prevent future health issues. Good luck !

[Flyinguineapig]

Thanks guys!

It'll be another couple weeks at least before I can get the little bugger since I'm in finals mode at school (majoring in English btw), but I'll let you guys know how it goes. I'll post some pics if it ends up working out.