If you are an animal lover, you know it can be fun to look for new pets to raise in your home, and one of the most common animals we get asked about is frogs.
Frogs are easy to find in most pet stores. There are dozens of species, and yes, frogs make good pets, but there is a lot to consider before you decide to adopt one. If you are interested in having a pet frog but aren’t sure if it’s a good idea, keep reading while we discuss the pros and raising frogs so you can make an informed decision.
Please note that many states and jurisdictions may have legislation that prevents capturing or owning tadpoles, frogs, or toads. Always make sure you have the permission to legally own an exotic pet before deciding to adopt one. If you are in the US, please refer to state laws before deciding to adopt an exotic or wild pet. Elsewhere, please refer to the relevant laws where you reside.
Capturing wild animals is not advised, as this disrupts local ecosystems. In addition, amphibians may naturally harbor Salmonella and spread it to humans and other pets. Frogs or toads are not recommended to be kept alongside children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those with a compromised immune system. Hygiene is of utmost importance when dealing with amphibians.
Some species of frogs have naturally occurring poisons or toxins that they can release by different mechanisms, depending on the species. All toads are toxic to a certain degree, and they are especially dangerous for pet dogs. Therefore, caution and thorough research prior to adopting a pet is very important.
4 Reasons You Might Not Want a Pet Frog
1. They Are Hands-Off Pets
Even though most of us have caught frogs as a child or know someone who has, you generally shouldn’t pick up frogs. It’s not that frogs will give you warts, as the urban legend says, but because frogs have permeable skin that will absorb anything on your hand, including the soap you use to clean them. Your salty hands can damage their sensitive skin, and many breeds don’t like when you pick them up.
If you do find a frog that likes to sit in your hand, wash your hands well with a mild detergent and only pick it up once in a while for a short time. Powder-free latex gloves can also help minimize problems with handling your frog.
2. Many Species Are Nocturnal
Unless you’re a night owl, most of us sleep at night when many frog species are most active. While you are awake, your frog will be sleeping and won’t be much fun to watch. If you do have your heart set on having a pet frog, you will need to do some research to find one that’s active when you are.
3. They Can Be Noisy
Another potential problem with frogs that stay up all night is that they make a considerable amount of noise with their consistent croaking. Some people may enjoy this sound, but it is still likely to keep you awake at night, especially if you have more than one. If you are considering purchasing your frog from a pet store, we recommend spending some time with it to see what you think of its song. Some are much louder than others, and male frogs make most of the noise.
4. Some Species Are Endangered
Unfortunately, some species are endangered and not available to be kept as pets, and frogs all across the world are facing declining numbers. We recommend purchasing a captive-bred frog from a local breeder and leaving the wild population untouched.
3 Reasons You Might Want a Frog
1. Plenty of Species Variety
One of the best reasons to keep a frog as a pet is that there are dozens of species, so you are sure to find a frog that you like that suits your lifestyle with a little research. Many of them have bright colors, and strange body designs, like the turtle frog, which resembles a turtle without a shell. There’s also the horror frog with hair that looks especially bizarre.
2. Fun to Watch
Another great reason to keep frogs is that they are lots of fun to watch, and you will find yourself staring at them for hours as they go about their daily activities.
3. Easy to Maintain
Your frog will need very little maintenance, and in most cases, you’ll need to spend less than 20 minutes per week cleaning and maintaining the habitat. Your frog will live in a paludarium, and what you put in it will depend on the species. Once you have the tank set up, you will need to spend less than 5 minutes per week feeding and maintaining your pet.
Final Thoughts
Frogs make a great pet for the right person, and there are countless colors and body styles, so you will surely find something you like. They are fun to watch, and their habitat is easy to maintain once you get it set up. We recommend purchasing captive-bred frogs for your home to help protect declining numbers, and a frog pond is an even better idea that can help improve the environment.
- Related read: African Dwarf Frogs For Sale: Breeders List
Featured Image Credit: Krzysztof Niewolny, Pixabay
