Pet Keen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here.
Poison dart frogs are a great pet for those who want an interesting animal to observe – but not necessarily hold. They are decently easy to take care of, which makes them a great first pet for reptile lovers.
Luckily, these animals are pretty easy to find. Many pet stores sell them, for instance.
However, if you want a quality poison dart frog, purchasing from a breeder is your best bet. Quality breeders typically sell directly to customers – not to pet stores. Plus, this method also means less travel and stress for the frog.
Poison Dart Frog Breeders
Poison Dart Frog Breeders Near Me
To find breeders near you, you can use the Breedir online directory. It lists reptile breeders per state, though not all of these produce dart frogs specifically.
The 4 Poison Dart Frog Breeders That Ship
1. Josh’s Frogs
As the name suggests, this breeder specializes in frogs, including poison dart frogs. They have hundreds of poison dart frogs available, including rarer colors and patterns. Plus, they sell everything you need to go with your frog too.
2. Backwater Reptiles
Like many breeders, Backwater Reptiles offers a variety of different colors and patterns. They provide a live arrival guarantee on all their animals. They also include a 7-day health guarantee.
3. Reptile Rapture
This company does ship, but they encourage potential buyers to drive to pick up their frogs. They do provide all sorts of different colors and patterns, though their offerings do change regularly.
4. Dart Frog Connection
This breeder is one of the few that focuses almost solely on poison dart frogs. They provide many different colors and will even provide tadpoles, allowing you to raise your own dart frog.
How Much Does a Poison Dart Frog Cost?
These frogs are usually between $30 to $70 each. However, most people purchase more than one dart frog, so prices can rise quickly. If you’re purchasing more than one dart frog at a time, then you may expect to pay hundreds of dollars.
Setting up a whole vivarium for the first time can easily cost $300. Tanks themselves are quite expensive, not counting everything you need to add to the tank.
Therefore, you should look beyond the lower price of these frogs when deciding whether to adopt or not. The frogs themselves may be cheap, but setting up a tank of poison dart frogs isn’t necessarily the cheapest hobby.
Purchasing all of your equipment from one source may help you save a bit of money, especially if you’re shipping everything. Be cautious of ready-to-build kits, as these don’t always have everything you need.
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Things to Ask a Poison Dart Frog Breeder
Preferably, you should visit the breeder in person to take a look at their breeder practice. You should note how well the tanks are set up, as well as the health of the animals. Bare enclosures and those missing key pieces of equipment (like heating lights) are a red flag.
However, you can’t always do this, especially if you’re purchasing online. Therefore, you often have to go based on the breeder’s word alone.
We recommend asking the breeder about their frog’s routine and eating habits. Breeders that are eager to discuss their animals and provide advice are often a good choice. Be wary of breeders that don’t want to talk much or give vague answers.
Quality breeders will often want to ask you questions as well. They may make suggestions on the terrarium setup. If they care about the animal, they will want to ensure that you’re prepared to take care of them.
Of course, you should also ask questions about the frog itself. Ask about the age of the frog, as well as its health history. A frog that was previously sick isn’t necessarily low-quality. However, it is good to know before you buy the frog.
You may also want to ask about the sex, though this isn’t always known (or always important).
Six Things to Know Before Buying a Poison Dart Frog
Conclusion
Poison dart frogs are vibrant, interesting pets that are perfect for new frog owners. They aren’t difficult to take care of or find. In fact, they are one of the most widely available frogs around.
However, you still need to do your due diligence when purchasing a frog. You don’t want to purchase from a low-quality breeder, as you don’t want to end up with a sickly frog. Luckily, there are many quality breeders online and spread throughout the country.
You may be able to find one nearby. Alternatively, you can purchase from a company that ships.
Featured Image Credit: worldswildlifewonders, Shutterstock
