Frog not eating or pooping . . .

[DanDrobates]

Frogs in the genus ceratophrys will burrow for a few reasons.
1. They will naturally burrow deeper if the substrate is dry and the ambient temperature is too cool. In nature they will brumate during colder dryer conditions and form a layer of thick dry mucous over their skin to prevent moisture loss. This process is a natural reaction to the aforementioned conditions. They will also go off feed during this time.
2. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if temperatures are too high they will burrow deeper to find a cooler more comfortable temperature.

It would help to know the age of the frog, its size and the size and setup you currently keep it in. If the frog is entering brumation the best way to stop it (bear in mind it is preferable for them not to brumate in captivity unless you're cycling them for breeding) is to bring the temperature to the mid to high 70s and make sure the substrate is moist.

[ErnieFrog]

Frogs in the genus ceratophrys will burrow for a few reasons.
1. They will naturally burrow deeper if the substrate is dry and the ambient temperature is too cool. In nature they will brumate during colder dryer conditions and form a layer of thick dry mucous over their skin to prevent moisture loss. This process is a natural reaction to the aforementioned conditions. They will also go off feed during this time.
2. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if temperatures are too high they will burrow deeper to find a cooler more comfortable temperature.

It would help to know the age of the frog, its size and the size and setup you currently keep it in. If the frog is entering brumation the best way to stop it (bear in mind it is preferable for them not to brumate in captivity unless you're cycling them for breeding) is to bring the temperature to the mid to high 70s and make sure the substrate is moist.

Thank You Dan for your reply. My PacMan frog is a sub-adult, 6-8 Months of age. I have had him since May 8th. He is in a 10-Gallon glass enclosure. He has Eco-Earth substrate, 3-5" in depth. Lamp above tank with 60w Daylight heat bulb. 3/4 of the screen lid is covered with Aluminum foil. The substrate is moist, the Temperature is 77F, sometimes reaches 82F. Humidity levels run between 60-70%. So with all of this said, I am still baffled as to why this PacMan won't eat, and wants to burrow. He has not eaten in a week.

[DanDrobates]

Your enclosure sounds perfect so i'd rule out brumation then. I've had some of mine burrow and then shed a few days later and even go into brumation for a few days due to unknown causes and then emerge like nothing happened. How is the overall appearance? If his eyes are above the substrate and appear clear and alert that means all is well. If it has a layer of slimy translucent skin and the eyes are flush with the skull it could be shedding or somehow dehydrated. I'd include a water bowl in the enclosure so it can soak its leisure and withhold food for a few days. Remember this species can go a reasonable period without food so I wouldn't panic. You can also try misting the enclosure to simulate rainfall and get the humidity up.

[ErnieFrog]

Your enclosure sounds perfect so i'd rule out brumation then. I've had some of mine burrow and then shed a few days later and even go into brumation for a few days due to unknown causes and then emerge like nothing happened. How is the overall appearance? If his eyes are above the substrate and appear clear and alert that means all is well. If it has a layer of slimy translucent skin and the eyes are flush with the skull it could be shedding or somehow dehydrated. I'd include a water bowl in the enclosure so it can soak its leisure and withhold food for a few days. Remember this species can go a reasonable period without food so I wouldn't panic. You can also try misting the enclosure to simulate rainfall and get the humidity up.

No, he is totally submerged. You can not see him at all, and his eyes are not exposed above the substrate. I had him out this morning, washed him off, and he looks good. He does have a water bowl in the corner of his tank. Like I said, I attempted to feed him, but he showed no interest in eating. I mist his enclosure a few times a day depending on what the Hygrometer readings are in his tank. So, I guess I'm just not going to panic and wait and see what happens. It's a shame, because just yesterday and today, I received Food for him in the mail.......Dan, I will keep you posted for sure. Thanks for your help.

[ErnieFrog]

UPDATE::: It has been 2-weeks since ErnieFrog has eaten. He has remained buried under his substrate. I need some suggestions on what I should do. Should I remove him and try to feed him and let him poop? Or do I leave him alone ? Thanks in advance for your help.

[DanDrobates]

Ok here’s a trick I have used successfully in the past. Remove your frog from the enclosure and Transfer it to to a container with no substrate. Provide a half inch of purified water instead of substrate and something to serve as a hide or haul out (A piece of cork bark works well for this). The water level should be just below the frogs chin. Maintain it in this setup for a while and monitor its progress. Offer food at night. If he is losing weight and still refusing food after a reasonable period in this type of setup a vet visit may be in order. This is essentially a quarantine enclosure. I have “woken up” frogs this way by completely eliminating substrate. It’s also much easier to observe their progress, monitor feedings and provide extra hydration. You can drape a dark cloth over part of the quarantine enclosure to provide some extra security. Again use discretion though. If you feel a trip to the vet is warranted by all means do so.

[ErnieFrog]

What you are describing is exactly what I did this morning. I removed him from his tank, put him in a critter keeper with Spring Water. Covered the critter keeper, and waited to see if he would poop. He did not poop. So I then attempted to feed him a Hornworm. He moved
away. I did not leave him in the Critter keeper long. Perhaps 30-minutes. Once I knew he would not poop and would not eat, I put him back
in his enclosure. I don't have a hide or piece of cork. The best I can do is cover half the tank with a small fleece. I will attempt to feed him tonight. I am concerned with the lack of heat he will have and the lower humidity levels while out of his enclosure. I just don't know how long these frogs can go without eating. I will give it a few more days, but then he will have to go to the Vet. Thank You Dan. I will update you again in a few days.