Odd question....

[Jace]

I have kind of an odd question for all Pyxie owners out there: how often do you handle your frogs? Do you touch them just enough to clean their tanks, or do you regularly take them out and interact with them?

[MastinoMike]

Ive only had my pixie for a few weeks now and I never pick him up or take him outside. For some reason Im under the impression that Ill hurt him if I pick him up or handle him. Well whats the proper way to handle these guys? Does there behavior change when they get outside?

[Jace]

Pyxie's are pretty tough and hearty frogs; unless you purposely dropped them, I don't think mere handling will hurt them. All three of mine seemed to enjoy it outside-fresh air and sun. However, my first two, Kadesh and Obi, were never handled much, and they did NOT like being picked up and moved around so that I could take photos. Obi even hissed at me, and Kadesh, we found out, can hop very effectively! Gherkin, on the other hand, was as calm as could be. His previous owner frequently handled him, even took him to classrooms and taught about African Bullfrog care to students, and I guess even her young daughter packed him around. I frequently put treated water on my hands from his spray bottle and rub him on his back and he closes his eyes and relaxes...making me want to think he actually enjoys the contact. So, I'm trying to decide whether I shoud handle my first two more and continue giving Gherkin physical contact, or should I continue to not handle or touch any of the frogs unless necessary?

[Jace]

To pick them up: make sure your hands are absolutely clean-no soap residue, lotions, perfumes, chemicals of any kind. I spray my hands with the treated water from their water bottle so I don't stick to them. Then, from the back of their body (never the front!), I gently work my fingers underneath their bodies and gently squeeze, just enough to hang on to them. Obi is small enough to fit comfortable into my hands, but Kadesh and Gherkin hang their back legs down, which prevents them from using those legs to jump out of my hands. Keep your fingers away from their mouths, especially if they have not eaten. I notice mine are calmer and easier to handle when they've had some food...just be careful they don't urinate or deficate on you....what goes in must come out!!

[MastinoMike]

Thanx Jace for the info. My pixie has grown in the month Ive had him. Im starting to get reall attached to this guy. Im going to clean out his tank today so Ill try to handle him accordingly.

[Jace]

You're welcome. I love my three. I didn't think I would get that attached to them, but I can't imagine not having them now. I would love to see some pics of your guy? What's his name? How old is he? Glad to have another Pyxie owner on the Forum!

[MastinoMike]

I think he is about 9 months old. Me and my son named him Lug Nut.

[Jace]

Love the name! Lug Nut is a very handsome frog. He still has the hint of a vertical stripe, so under a year I think is fairly accurate. Do you know what his svl is? Have you handled him yet-what did you think?

[Kurt]

I am not into Pyxicephalus (even though John has been trying to convert me to them), but I must say that is a gorgeous frog.