Choosing a Frog

[clownonfire]

Addendum

This is somewhat related to the article. It's a copy of the Too Many Frogs Dying thread some of you have read:

For the past month or so, I've been reading too many posts about frogs dying. And often enough, the death is not because of the animal, because the animal came in sick, or bad genes or, or, or... Often enough, the death is a consequence of poor husbandry: wrong environment for a frog species, too humid, not humid enough, not enough plants, a horizontal tank for a tree frog, feeding large crickets to thumbnail frogs... And we need to do something about this...

A moderator on this board asked me when realizing that there were many White's and Red Eyed tree frogs dying lately: Are tree frogs really a good frog for beginners? Well, my answer is NO. The same as a dart frog would not be a good frog for a beginner: UNLESS you, the beginner will take the proper care of your frog. YOU, the beginner, will need to do some research before you get a frog, or make fast adjustments if you already have a frog and realize the requirements for your frog are not met.

Would YOU keep a dog inside 4 days in a row without taking it to the park? Feed your cat a broccoli? No, you wouldn't. Yes, a frog looks cute at the pet shop and looks like it would make a lovely pet. But frogs have very specific requirements. They will be hardy only if you meet them. I am completely aware that when you see a tree frog at the pet shop in a very small enclosure without any branches you will end up thinking that is what such a frog needs. It's not. If you are on this board, and ask questions before you get a frog or because something seems wrong with your frogs, please, take our help openly. We want to help, but foremost, we do not want the frog to die. If we say your frog needs a vet, don't answer: I don't have XX$ to spend, what else can be done.... Nothing else can be done. Your frog will die.

Frog Forum is a board for all spectrum of frog enthusiasts. It's a great place for general information. And I think this is why many of you are here. We are friendly, but many of us here are experts, and we want your frogs to be healthy.

I cannot continue to read these posts and stay silent. Ask questions, inquire, and then DO WHAT'S BEST FOR YOUR FROG. If you were on Dendroboard, moderators and members wouldn't hesitate to tell you YOU ARE KILLING YOUR FROG.

So I'm sorry to say: You are killing your frog. Let us help you save it. Please.

If you think a frog is not for you at this point, it's ok. There's nothing wrong with that. Give your frog away to someone who will take care of it the way it needs to be cared for.

Eric

[DonLisk]

I definitely agree that some Darts could make great beginner frogs.

I'd like to add:
Whites:

• Eat agressively and if they miss the target, eat what landed in their mouth. So, Sphagnum Moss, Husk or bark type substrates, and pebbles, as a top layer is a hazard waiting to happen.
• Require strong leafed plants since they will trample everything... suggestions: Snake plants, Bromeliads, and Pothos.

Red Eyes:

• Not fond of most night lighting, stay off the substrate if there is enough off ground travel area provided, and should be provided a tank or viv with greater height than width.
• Are also delicate movers so many plants will surfice such as air plants, some ferns, and bamboo would be good choices along with snake plants, bromeliads, and pothos.

And finally, is you find yourself with a new frog and no prior education and existing/ready home, don't just wait to provide them the proper environment, you bought them so provide for them.
If your afraid to post to a thread, sent a moderator a message, they will help or find someone to help.

Don