Many species and enclosures will benefit from this method of feeding.
It reduces the possibility of a feeder 'hiding' and dying in the enclosure.
It's a great way to monitor food intake and ensure frogs are properly supplemented ....on a schedule.
The supplements remain on the feeder.....longer.
A feeder bowl takes practice , both for the frogger and the frog.
There are no ...'actual'... hard fast rules.
It's really all about what works best for the species of frog that is being fed and what is feeder being used.
Here are a few ,common sense, pieces of information to keep in mind:
-start a frog off on a feeder bowl when it's young, if possible---even when they are in quarantine
-put the feeder bowl in the same spot each day ( yes.. it could be safely suspended for tree frogs, if desired )
-it must be removable and not a permanent fixture ( just like a soaking dish > should not be a permanent fixture)
-the feeder bowl need to made from a safe material...ie no metal that will rust...no substances that will leech chemicals overtime
-it needs to be NEW and have never been used to store something that will poison the frog
-clean a feeder bowl - daily- in the hottest tap water possible - never use ANY sops or detergents
-never leave feeders in the bowl(s) in the enclosure - return them to their feeder 'bin' ...to feed
-it is a matter of opinion as to what material it should be made from ( ie glass, metal, plastic, ceramic etc)
- a frog doesn't pick up on how to use it right away . They have to learn.
- yes , sometimes they will try to catch the feeder through glass at first. Most will eventually 'get it', but one needs to be sure this does not continue for too long as this could cause an injury.
-when the feeder bowl is started ( regardless of the age of the frog ) begin by continuing the usual feeding method(s) so the frog can get used to the magic bowl where the food appears every day !
-you can have more than one bowl. In fact, there should be more than one if you are housing more than a few frogs in one large enclosure.
-position matters- consider the species of frog you are feeding (on the soil, sunk in the soil or suspended)
- some species - should NOT have a feeder bowl...ie dart frogs
Size of the bowl
If anything matters ...... it's the size of the bowl ; for a few reasons:
1- you don't want feeder to get out
2- you want the frog to be able to get in ( the size/diameter of the opening is an important consideration)
3- you want the frog to be able to get back out
4-the size of the bowl should 'change' as a juvenile frogs grows
5- frogs sharing a bowl .....need space
So ..............what do you use? Let us know ? Opinions matter