Whose frogs are sleeping?

[Cap10Squirty]

I guess I am confused on the whole aestivation process then...Is true aestivation when the bullfrog forms the water tight sac around itself or is that just a special case scenario for when things start to dry out? My frog, Karagga, spends a few days under then a few days in the pond, then back under.

Anyway, I'm looking for a good hide for my frog as it (still some questioning about gender) likes to burrow but not all the time right in the middle of the substrate - instead it's trying to wedge between a wall and its water dish which turns out to be too tight of a space. I would like to offer a hide in the case it does want to get away but stay on top of the soil.

Colleen/Jerrod - the cave that you have for your big boy is it an exo terra? There are a few sizes of that brand - I think a medium would work best for my frog.

[GrifTheGreat]

I guess I am confused on the whole aestivation process then...Is true aestivation when the bullfrog forms the water tight sac around itself or is that just a special case scenario for when things start to dry out? My frog, Karagga, spends a few days under then a few days in the pond, then back under.

Anyway, I'm looking for a good hide for my frog as it (still some questioning about gender) likes to burrow but not all the time right in the middle of the substrate - instead it's trying to wedge between a wall and its water dish which turns out to be too tight of a space. I would like to offer a hide in the case it does want to get away but stay on top of the soil.

Colleen/Jerrod - the cave that you have for your big boy is it an exo terra? There are a few sizes of that brand - I think a medium would work best for my frog.

Yes true Aestivation is when the frog sheds several layers of skin and mucus to form a epithelial sac to retain moisture during periods of draught. They slow their metabolism way down and shut down some bodily functions during this period of dormancy. It is very different then a period of rest when the correct climate levels are maintained. They can still slow their metabolism, but not shut down entirely.

Yes it is an Exo Terra. Works very well and Günther loves it.

[Cap10Squirty]

Yes true Aestivation is when the frog sheds several layers of skin and mucus to form a epithelial sac to retain moisture during periods of draught. They slow their metabolism way down and shut down some bodily functions during this period of dormancy. It is very different then a period of rest when the correct climate levels are maintained. They can still slow their metabolism, but not shut down entirely.

Yes it is an Exo Terra. Works very well and Günther loves it.

Thanks that is what I was thinking...so when the OP asks who's frog's are sleeping...there is a good chance that most are if just referring to being underground or hiding

[GrifTheGreat]

Thanks that is what I was thinking...so when the OP asks who's frog's are sleeping...there is a good chance that most are if just referring to being underground or hiding

Yes. Most never actually Aestivate in captivity. They do go through little mini Aestivations, but never fully go dormant. Breeders will sometimes Brumate their frogs to prepare them for breeding in the spring and they do actually induce a dry season dormancy or winter dormancy period.

[Lija]

Well mine is sleeping..... Literally sleeping all day and night... In his water dish that I need to upgrade... Have to wake him up everyday to change water, he is getting mad, sometimes eats and then go back to his water and sleeps until next day. I think I will put 2 water dishes, one without water, I wonder what he'll do.

[MyKindOfLullaby]

My frog burrowed and got very angry when I disturbed it to check on it. It's a pretty young frog though, about 6 months so I don't think I should let it burrow. Thoughts?

[GrifTheGreat]

My frog burrowed and got very angry when I disturbed it to check on it. It's a pretty young frog though, about 6 months so I don't think I should let it burrow. Thoughts?

It is fine to let it burrow, but check on it and offer food. If the frog eats then you have no worries of it trying to Aestivate especially if climate levels are maintained.