:( Please Help if You Can - Strange Behavior

[meeper]

Nope. He's still jumping into the roof of the enclosure... :/

Man I'm worried about this.

Should I put a light back on him? Put the tank back the way it was? Put the warmer daybulb on him and say screw the night cycle incase he needs the heat?

[IgbyKibbits]

Quick clarification: Is he in the "cleaning tank" or the permanent tank?

l wouldn't put the day bulb on him. He's used to a light cycle, and I would think the sudden change would be more stressful. Stick with the night light. Sounds like you are monitoring the temps well (and within the proper night-time temps), and the resulting behavior is not a seeking of "warmth."

[meeper]

He's presently in the temporary cleaning tank. It was cleaned out, fresh moss put in, one pond with dechlor water, a fake plant thing which was also cleaned, and a fake tree which was cleaned.

I just watched him climb up the glass wall, reach the top, then grab the mesh and try to get a grip, maybe push on it, etc. Keep in mind that right now there is no bulb on him.

I think now I'm also worried he's going to keep doing this until he hurts or exhausts himself, before I can get him to a vet (if they tell me to bring him in).

[IgbyKibbits]

You know, honestly, if it were me, I would put him in the permanent tank. Sounds like he's wanting to stretch his legs (given that there aren't any accompanying symptoms) and as long as you don't have any sharp edges, etc., let him tire himself out in a larger environment.

Again, I don't have experience with this behavior, but that's what I would do!

[meeper]

While I was debating whether or not to move him to the permanent tank with the light, he appears to have calmed down, at least for now.

After a few more bouts with the top of the enclosure, he's been sitting on the side of the pond (gargoyle style, like he often does.)

I really am hoping that just for whatever reason this frog felt frisky this evening. It was as soon as we put the nightbulb on, which is when he typically comes out. Plan to continue standing here watching him until he either settles in or morning comes and I can call the vet.

Thanks again. I'm still hunting for anything I can find about someone experiencing something like this, and after about 4 hours now, still nothing really.

[IgbyKibbits]

No problem - I'm glad to help, if only keeping you company during your frog troubles.

I've been there and I understand. Might as well use my insomnia to good use :P He's settled down, at least, which should be a good sign!

From all indications, he sounds "frisky" and that's all. You aren't seeing any other indicators (skin changes, lack of appetite, etc.). And he certainly isn't lethargic :P

I do think it's entirely compassionate of you to stay up with him, though! You've earned your "karmic medal" for the night!

[bshmerlie]

When I got Waldo my Red Eye tree frog he did something very similar. As soon as I put him into the tank he was in a panic to get out. He went to the top and was pushing on every corner of the screen to get out. He did that all night long the first night I got him. I actually thought he hated his new home. The next night he checked out the roof again although not in such a panic and I put a bunch of crickets in there to distract him but he didn't seem to care about them. The third and fourth night he wouldn't even wake up and come out. I added more plants to give him more hides because I thought he was scared and kept it real dark and quiet for him. A couple of nights later he would come out a little more , eat a few crickets and go back to bed. Then eventually he settled down and started acting like a comfortable normal frog. It really scared me at first because I thought he hated his new home but it was just that a new home. Frogs are very simplistic creatures and creatures of habit. If you'll notice he'll go back to the same place to sleep every night. Well by cleaning and rearranging his tank he feels that you took away his house and his bedroom (leaf). But don't worry he will settle in. Put him back into his regular enclosure and keep it real quiet and dark for him and over time he will settle in. He may take a month or sometimes a little longer to get back to his normal routine but he will. Be patient.