Hibernating tree frog?

[Greenlove]

Do you have to hibernate your tree frog? I just read that some people put their frogs into hibernation. If they are inside pets why on earth would you do that to them!?

[Kurt]

To breed them. Temperate zone reptiles and amphibians need a cooling period in order the stimulate then to breed in the spring. If you're not breeding, why bother.

[Greenlove]

Will it shorten their lifespan? Is it detrimental to their health in any way if they don't hibernate?

[Ebony]

I put most of my frogs in hibernation as I personally think its simulating their natural way of life. But also for breeding purposes. I know as food in the winter is scares a lot of people do it for that reason also. I think either way is fine. I would not put a unhealthy or newly morphed frog into hibernation. If you take two frogs the same age and only put one into hibernation..the one that has not hibernated will be significantly larger.

[Paul Rust]

Some species are hard-wired to hibernate and there is little you can do to stop it. They will just stop eating in the fall and go into a torpor for a few months even if inside in the warmth.

[jtay]

Will it shorten their lifespan?

In TJ Thornton's Keeping Frogs in NZ book, she says in regards to hibernating species that "staying awake all year may result in a shorter life..."
So maybe....