Newly-Morphed Grays Not Eating Yet...

[RJ72]

Hi.

I have two newly-morphed Gray Tree Frogs that have lost their tails within the past two day. I have offered both of them fruit flies, but they haven't shown any interest as yet. Is this normal? Does it sometimes take longer than two days for them to eat?

I would greatly appreciate your input.

Thank you.

RJ

[brian c]

i would say give it a day or two but i dont know that frog so.....

[RJ72]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post, Brian. I do appreciate.

[LilyPad]

Have they eaten yet? I have no experience with new morphs but have read it can take a day or two. This grey tree frog care sheet has a bit of info on raising froglets - Frog Forum - Gray Tree Frog Care and Breeding

My smallest grey was a half inch when I got him, so far beyond the tiny new morphs.

[Mentat]

Have they eaten yet? Where are you housing them? It's better to keep them in a quarantine type set-up during their first few weeks .

[BArnold]

I got my grays as tadpoles and it took them up to a week after losing their tails to eat.

[RJ72]

Thank you, Carlos and Amy. One of them did eat 4 rep-cal coated fruit flies tonight. The other, who is a bit smaller, doesn't seem interested yet. But I did leave some ff's in the tank in case they feel like hunting overnight. They are both in an extra large critter keeper, with a water bowl with spring water, some fake ivy plants, and unprinted paper towels as the ground cover. I'm changing the water and paper towels every day, and misting 2-3 times a day.

I do plan on releasing them in the area in which I found them. I still have 20 tadpoles and 3 froglets to go. They were rescues from a rapidly evaporating puddle on top of a pool cover. I'm just trying to do my part to help the declining frog population. I've always loved frogs since I was a little kid. I guess you can call this my summer frog project. I hope it is successful.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond. I do appreciate it.

Best of luck to you both!

RJ

[RJ72]

Thank you, Bridgett..that's great to know!

Now I'm not so worried about the smaller one taking his time before catching his first meal. I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me.

Hope all your Grays are doing well.

Best of luck!

RJ

[DSLRnerd]

Any updates? Did it finally eat?

[RJ72]

Hi Tracey,

Thank you for checking in.

Yes, I am happy to report that both of them are eating. The only thing that is frustrating me is that one is eating much more than the other and growing quite nicely. But... the other only seems interested in eating one or two fruit flies and then loses interest. Both are offered the same amount of food-as they are fed separately, but the smaller one usually quits eating after two. I can only continue to hope he'll show more interest soon. Where there is life, there is hope.

Thanks again!

RJ

[DSLRnerd]

Are you removing the frogs from the tank when you are feeding them individually? That might make the one feel a little stressed out. If not, maybe try doing so.
I would try and leave some flies in with them after feedings, it might feel more comfortable or just want to eat on a funky schedule.
I have a newly morphed Gray, lost its tail late last week and it generally eats 4-5 flies in the morning.
But it also eats a few here and there at night when its running around and most active. Maybe try an individual night feeding for that one.
I hope you find something that works!

[DSLRnerd]

Also, just a thought, but you may want to think about separating them temporarily. It's always possible that the one may not be so well, and you wouldn't want to pass it on to the healthy one.
The other frog could be stressing it out in some way as well. Plus, it gives you a chance to really watch the health and eating patterns, such as seeing poop amounts, leaving flies in the tank solely for that one. etc.

[flybyferns]

RJ72,
Sorry if I missed it,
But, what species of fruit flies are you culturing?

[RJ72]

Hi Tracey,

Yes. I am removing them from the tank and feeding them individually. I have also been leaving flies in the tank for them to hunt overnight. I have run into these problems before when raising baby American Toads. Some can't wait to eat, while others don't seem as interested. Maybe some are just not strong enough to survive. I guess all 2000 tadpoles aren't going to change into perfect little frogs no matter how well we care for them.

It's great to hear that your baby Gray is doing well!

Thank you for your suggestions, I really appreciate them.

RJ

[RJ72]

Hi Lynn,

They are the smaller Drosophila melanogaster species.

Thanks for checking in.

RJ

[RJ72]

That's a good idea, Tracey. It's certainly worth a try!

Thanks again.

RJ

[RJ72]

UPDATE: I am happy to report that the smaller frogs has finally started to eat more than one or two fruit flies - he is up to 4-6 every night. The larger one continues to eat 12-16. I'm just happy for the improvement with the little guy. I think his problem is that he is one of those nervous frogs. Some are just like that, while others, like the larger one, are calm as can be. I think he will continue to eat more and more as he gets used to things.

I just want to thank all those who took the time to give me such helpful suggestions.

With much appreciation...

RJ