whites tree frog care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: White's Tree Frog, Dumpy Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Litoria caerulea
Adult Size: 4in/10.1cm for females. Males are a little smaller at 3in/7.5cm.
The White's (or Dumpy) Tree frog is native to Australia and southern New Guinea and can be found both in the northern and eastern parts of Australia. Mainly from the coast to the drier interior of north Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland,. They can now be found in all kinds of habitats. White's easily live 10-15 years in captivity, under moderately maintained conditions. They are known to often reach around 20 years with good care and diet. They are docile and even - tempered. White’s Tree Frogs can be handled but do so infrequently. Wash your hands before and after handling. They do well in groups of 4-8. Not very active but are good jumpers.
Feeding:
Try not to over-feed your White's. It is recommended that adult White's be fed once about every two to three days. Over-feeding can cause the White's to become obese. For Juveniles (1/2 to 1 1/2 inch): Feed 2-3 week old crickets daily (crickets should be no longer than the width of the frog's head). A coating of calcium/vitamin supplement is strongly recommended. Young White's need these additives to grow up healthy. Adults (1 1/2 to 3 inch): Offer 3-4 week old crickets about every two or three days (coating less frequently- maybe once or twice a week). Adults: Feed large crickets two to three times weekly. You should reduce calcium/vitamin intake to once a week. An excess of calcium and vitamins may cause a non-reversible kidney disease in White's.
Captive Environment: Tall and roomy aquarium of 10 gallons or larger, with a rainforest-type climate. Provide climbing branches, hiding places and live, silk or plastic foliage for your frog to climb on. Mist enclosure daily. Substrate may be gravel, reptile bark or shredded coconut husks. A screened lid should also be placed on top of the tank to prevent escape. Remember the White’s have suction cup feet and have the ability to climb right up the side of the tank and out.
Temperature: 80 - 86 F daytime 72 - 78 F nighttime However never below 70 F. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, and under tank heaters or any combination of these. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Lighting: UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. To view your pet during its waking hours, use a red or night light bulb. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Water:A bowl of clean, de-chlorinated water should always be available. Change water every day with de-chlorinated water. Change more often if the water appears dirty. Frogs do not drink water, they absorb it through their skin, therefore a water dish should be provided that is large enough for the animal to easily get in and out of.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
