Thread for new frog enthusiasts-Does it exist?

[clownonfire]

Hi all, is there a thread that exists on Frog Forum that would help newcomers to the hobby on how to chose the best frog for their needs? nocturnal vs diurnal, what type of enclosure frog X needs and feeding requirements?

If not I think we should make one. It doesnt have to be super thorough but give basic valuable info to help beginners to better chose a frog, and to make a sounder decision.

Any thoughts?

Eric

[bshmerlie]

Eric I think that is a great idea...When are you going to start?

[Rocko]

I would suggest making it an article rather than a thread, and maybe using this thread as input. I think people browsing towards this site are more likely to look at the articles first. That being said, the 3 main criteria I see in choosing a frog, are living space, activity, and tolerance. What does anybody else think?

[clownonfire]

Cheri, I'll be more than happy to write it. And yes, as Rocko said, an article would be more appropriate (the French speaking me sometimes doesn't get the words right away).

And I suggest I could submit the first draft to you and other mods, and why not forum members to have their inputs, and then correct it.

I want to make the article more human, so that the new member or enthusiast might relate to it on a personal level, more than on a "didactic" level. Facts mixed with experience.

I could start it this week!!

[bshmerlie]

I don't think you can get too specific on temps and humidity but it should be mentioned that their environmental conditions must be monitored and controlled. Same with food. Someone new to frogs may not even know they only eat live food. Maybe even break the type of frogs up into categories. Ex) Tree frogs...need vertical tanks with lots of branches for climbing. Terrestrial frogs...need horizontal tanks with bushes or logs for cover. Aquatic frogs....need water..duh.. just the basics to help them choose. They may already have an empty tank and its important they choose the right frog for their tank.

[clownonfire]

I don't think you can get too specific on temps and humidity but it should be mentioned that their environmental conditions must be monitored and controlled. Same with food. Someone new to frogs may not even know they only eat live food. Maybe even break the type of frogs up into categories. Ex) Tree frogs...need vertical tanks with lots of branches for climbing. Terrestrial frogs...need horizontal tanks with bushes or logs for cover. Aquatic frogs....need water..duh.. just the basics to help them choose. They may already have an empty tank and its important they choose the right frog for their tank.

I agree with you. One of the triggers to wanting to write this article are the reactions that my thumbnail frogs and my bumblebee walking toad. I have many friends who as soon as I showed pics wanted some. And when I tell them they will have to breed fruit flies, the interest disappears.

It’s just bigger generalization that I would like to write so that people who want to get frog will have general picture of what to expect, and for the frogs too so they can have the best chance at an “optimal” life in captivity.

[bshmerlie]

Just an FYI you don't have to breed your own fruit flies. When I need a new culture I just buy it from a reptile shop 5 min away. They're $5 each so its cheaper than crickets. I work a lot and bearly have time to make my kids school lunch so spending any amount of time mixing potato flakes and what have you is just not where I want to spend my time. Just saying that there are alternatives.

[clownonfire]

Cheri, you're lucky!! Perhaps I should specify: I live in Montreal, as of most of my friends, and there are none to be found around here. Some breeders in my neck of the wood will refuse to sell you thumbs if you do not breed your own flies, which I think is responsible for the sake of the frogs. I am also very active on Canadart.org • Index page, and even when we try to get some flies from other dart hobbyists, it's not a piece of cake... And yes, you can order cultures by mail, but it's not viable as a process... Fruit flies cultures should be disposed of after 30 days, if any are left of course... But this is a whole new thread!

[bshmerlie]

Well then I guess we should clarify.."you may need to culture your own fruit flies depending on availability". Maybe post a link to culturing them.

[clownonfire]

I spoke to John yesterday, and it's a go for the article. I will start writing it this week. Cheri, could I send you the first draft for a first validation?