Hi, I am patiomom -- apologies in advance for how long this is. I've been reading posts and searching for answers and decided to join this forum at first in search of help (and hopefully in the longterm as a parent of thriving frogs). I and my two kids are relatively new "parents" to two white's tree frogs. We got the first one (Mr. Sleepy Head or "MiSH" for short) about two weeks ago and frankly I feel like we got bad set up info from the little pet shop where we got him. They gave me a ground cover that was mix of peat moss and mulch, a fish-tank type terrarium, and a 75 watt basking light. But at least the frog ate a few crickets back then. We then went to a different place that seemed to know more -- ended up betting an 18x18x24 tall terrarium, some silk plants, climbing stuff, a bigger (but still shallow) water bowl/pond, etc. We also got another white's tree frog ("Jumpy"). Again, not sure we got great advice because I didn't know about slowly introducing the two frogs -- just put them in together. Still, they seem ok with each other -- will do their own thing but sometimes hang out together on the end edge of their water area (we even got a photo of them looking like they were holding hands).

The issue is, MiSH does not seem to be eating. We are feeding them small crickets that we gutload in a critter keeper. It has been several days since he last ate -- at least five (and even then I think he only ate 1 cricket). He is pooping and peeing though. He was fairly chubby when we got him so he isn't too skinny yet but... I'm worried. He seems lethargic to me, but I don't really watch him at night when he'd be more active. Jumpy is eating like a champ. He will hunt and pounce and snatch the crickets. The recent time I saw MiSH eat, the cricket was RIGHT in front of him. Today I decided to bring MiSH out to try to give him a chance to eat without Jumpy getting more than his fair share. He is now sitting in an empty critter keeper -- empty but for him and a few crickets -- some in a small glass dish (read about this on a forum somewhere) and others just loose. One cricket is currently SITTING ON HIS HEAD. He hasn't moved since I put him in. When I did put him in, he moved around in my hand, but again is now just sitting. I have to admit I am not too used to holding a frog, but he seemed to feel a little different today to me... less healthy somehow.

Their terrrarium is about 75 degrees F on the "cool" side. On the other side we have a red light that we keep on 24/7 now (was afraid they were getting too cold at night so changed a white bulb that was on 12 hours to a red bulb and now keep it on all night. We also have a UVB light on for 12 hours during the day. Humiidity is at about 70 percent, down to maybe 60 overnight and obviously much higher right after we mist. He has a fake cork-like material on the back of the terrarium, the other sides are glass.

I am afraid we are losing MiSH. The kids and I are going away for 5 days and we will need to transport them to their dad and stepmom for caretaking while we are away... so more stress and change (couldn't find anyone to come in to care for them). I am almost wondering if something was up even when we got him -- thus his "Mr. Sleepy Head" name -- he wasn't too active (especially compared to his new mate "Jumpy" who is also named for his behavior). If it matters -- MiSH is slightly bigger than Jumpy - maybe the same size inches wise, but MiSH was always a little more rotund.

I've heard of force feeding them -- but honestly, I'm afraid I'd hurt him??

HELP for MiSH please?