Too many frogs dying

[clownonfire]

I myself started being serious about frogs less than a year ago, although we did have a Cuban tree frog and fire-bellied toads which were all well taken cared for.

When I got a bumblebee walking toad and a pair of Ranitomeya ventrimaculatus, I had done research before, and not everything was up to par. I had amazing help by Eric Walker for my BBWT, and Michael Lawrence for the Vents. And believe me all, getting feedback from Michael (Poison Beauties) is not always easy to read, and can be sometimes drastically to the point.... But he brought me to another level. Getting new frogs now is a whole process for me. Is a certain species the right one for me? Can I afford to keep another one, or to buy everything that the species will need? In lament's terms: can I go all the way when it comes to owning the desired frogs?? If yes, then I'll move forward. If no, I'll refrain myself.

As many of you know, a week ago I acquired a trio of Atelopus hoogmoedi. Man, the reading I had to do before starting building the tank was quite something. And as info on this species is quite scarce on the net, I had to bug a few experts on different boards until I felt I had ALL the proper info on how to take care of them. Furthermore, I ended up having a female, which is great, but which also requires different husbandry. So Friday, I had to buy a new tank, and build one as fast as possible to do everything possible so the gravid female can lay her eggs before dying...

My situation is extreme. I am fully involved in the hobby. But readers, and newcomers, make sure you know what will be needed of you when owning a frog.... Even if owning just one...

I don't want to linger more as this post is already longer than I wanted it to be... But with all the knowledge I have acquired on frogs, I would still not own a pacman frog, or an African Clawed frog even if some say they are easy to care for, AS I DO NOT POSSESS THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO CATER TO THEIR NEEDS.

Let's turn this around. I will help you. Cheri and all other moderators will help too. On this thread, there's berksmike and Uncle Chester that are EXTREMELY valuable resources to this forum. And so many others.... Don't be afraid to ask.

I would be more afraid of our reactions if you did not ask and post about the death of your frog....

Eric

[Tripe46]

Great thread! Everyone should read this.

[Tony]

I called this a couple months ago when PetCo started the $20 RETF sale. If you're going to buy stressed out wild caught frogs you better know how to acclimate them. Unfortunately it seems that most of the people who have been buying them are inexperienced bargain hunters who get to find out the hard way that cheap frogs are rarely a bargain.

[clownonfire]

Thank you Tony. You're actually another great resource on this board that could be very helpful to newbies.

[DonLisk]

Great thread Eric. Sad part is, it will not end with the poor information provided a new pet owner at pretty much any of the major chain stores.

From being told you can mix species, to your comments on poor setups, much of this stems from the point of sale and their lack of interest and knowledge in the poor animal they are putting in the customers hands.
The customer thinks they are learning enough right at the point of sale. They come home and over a few weeks fall in love with their newly acquired friend, and then soon after find they have done it all wrong and are now coming here to get our help.

If your reading this thread, take the advice given and run with it. If you bought a pet, its in your hands to properly care for it. Build a proper setup, don't ignore its needs, and provide the environment the animal requires.

[berksmike]

Maybe a precis of this thread should be posted as a sticky in all sections?

[clownonfire]

Maybe a precis of this thread should be posted as a sticky in all sections?

It's a great idea. We could also add a link to the thread when welcoming new members. Might sound like a harsh, Hi and welcome to Frog Forum, but being proactive could save some frogs.