White’s Tree Frog
Quick Start Care Guide

- Habitat

Environmental Conditions

To create a suitable habitat for your White's Tree Frogs, it's essential to maintain a temperature gradient within the enclosure. The basking area should reach temperatures of 82-84°F (27.8-28.9°C), while the general air temperature should stay between 74-76°F (23.3-24.4°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to a comfortable 65-72°F (18.3-22.2°C). Additionally, achieving an average humidity level of 50%, with fluctuations up to 70% at night, is crucial. To maintain this humidity, consider using a mister for hydration and a fogger or cool mist humidifier as needed during the night.

Space and Layout

Choose a secure, escape-proof terrarium with dimensions of at least 18"L x 18"W x 24"H for one adult frog or two juveniles. For multiple adults, opt for a larger enclosure to ensure adequate space. Incorporating a bioactive-compatible substrate, around 2-3 inches deep, such as a mix of coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and organic soil, enhances the habitat's natural feel. Adding a drainage layer with clay balls at the bottom will also help maintain proper moisture levels. Additionally, it's important to remember that White's Tree Frogs are arboreal; therefore, providing vertical space and climbing opportunities is vital for their well-being.

Resting and Sleeping Area

Create a naturalistic environment by including multiple horizontal branches and perches for climbing and resting. Live or artificial plants can be added to provide hiding spots, while a large, shallow water dish is necessary for soaking and maintaining humidity levels. You should also include cork bark or commercial cave hides to offer additional shelter, making your frogs feel secure in their habitat.

Bathroom or Defecation Zone

White's tree frogs require a designated area in their enclosure for defecation and soaking. A shallow water dish or bowl is essential, as these frogs absorb water through their skin and also use water sources to eliminate waste. The bowl should be wide enough for the frog to fully submerge itself, but not so deep that there's a drowning risk. Clean, dechlorinated water should be provided and changed daily. Some frogs may prefer to defecate on land, so providing a moist area of substrate near the water dish can also serve as a bathroom zone. Regular spot cleaning of feces is important to maintain hygiene. Avoid using any chemicals or soaps when cleaning the enclosure, as amphibians have very sensitive skin. A properly set up bathroom area will help keep your White's tree frog healthy and make waste management easier.

Safety and Enrichment

When designing your frog's habitat, use safe, non-toxic plants such as pothos, bromeliads, or ficus, and incorporate leaf litter into the substrate to encourage natural behaviors. Consider adding a background to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the usable space within the enclosure. Remember that creating a visually appealing and naturalistic habitat not only looks great but also provides enrichment for your frog, ensuring a happy and healthy pet.

- Diet

Nutritional Requirements

White's Tree Frogs are primarily carnivorous, thriving on a diet of live insects. Their main food sources should include crickets and dubia roaches, both of which are high in protein and easy to digest. To enhance their diet, you can supplement with occasional treats such as waxworms, mealworms, hornworms, and black soldier fly larvae; however, these should be offered sparingly due to their higher fat content. Additionally, it is crucial to gut-load all feeder insects with nutrient-rich foods before serving them to your frog, as this will boost their nutritional value significantly. Avoid using wild-caught insects, as they may carry harmful parasites or pesticides that can jeopardize your frog's health.

Feeding Schedule and Portions

Feeding schedules and portion sizes differ between adults and juveniles. Adult White's Tree Frogs should receive approximately 7-10 appropriately sized crickets or dubia roaches every two to three days. In contrast, juveniles require more frequent feedings—typically once daily or every other day—with smaller prey items to support their growth.

Water and Hydration

Hydration is vital for the health of your White's Tree Frog. A shallow water dish should be provided for the frog to soak comfortably without submerging its head. It is essential to change the water daily to maintain cleanliness. Use dechlorinated tap water or spring water, as chlorine can irritate their sensitive skin.

Dietary Variety and Supplements

To ensure a balanced diet that supports growth and health, it is important to dust insects with a calcium supplement at every feeding for juveniles and two to three times a week for adults. For overall health, provide a multivitamin supplement once a week for adult frogs, while growing frogs may need it more frequently.

Special Dietary Considerations

By adhering to these feeding guidelines, you can help ensure that your White's Tree Frog maintains a balanced diet that promotes its health and longevity. Regularly monitor your frog's body condition and make adjustments to feeding practices as necessary to prevent obesity or malnutrition.

- Hygiene

Grooming and Cleaning

White's Tree Frogs typically maintain their own skin health and do not require regular bathing. However, if a bath is necessary, it is important to use dechlorinated or spring water at room temperature (70-75°F). Limit baths to once a month to prevent disruption of their natural skin oils and beneficial bacteria. To support their skin health, mist the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water and maintain humidity levels between 30-70%. In cases of incomplete shedding, slightly increase humidity, but avoid manual removal of shed skin. Additionally, daily spot cleaning of the enclosure is essential to remove any feces or uneaten food, while thorough habitat cleaning should be performed weekly. This involves temporarily relocating the frog, replacing substrate, and disinfecting surfaces with a reptile-safe cleaner. Always ensure the habitat is thoroughly rinsed and dried before returning the frog. Remember to change the water in the frog's soaking dish daily with only dechlorinated, spring, or filtered water to prevent chemical burns. Loose substrate like coconut fiber should be replaced every 4-6 weeks, and if a bioactive substrate is used, regular spot cleaning and ecosystem maintenance are required.

Living Area Sanitation

To ensure optimal hygiene for White's Tree Frogs, spot clean the enclosure daily by removing any waste or uneaten food. Conduct a complete cleaning of the habitat on a weekly basis, which includes temporarily housing the frog, replacing all substrate with fresh material, and sanitizing all surfaces and decorations with a suitable reptile-safe disinfectant. Rinse everything thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before returning the frog to its habitat. Proper sanitation is crucial in keeping their environment safe and healthy.

Dental and Skin Care

White's Tree Frogs possess sensitive, permeable skin that can easily absorb harmful substances. To promote skin health, routinely mist their enclosure and maintain optimal humidity. Regular observation for incomplete shedding can indicate the need for increased humidity within their habitat. Daily bathing should be approached cautiously, using only dechlorinated water when necessary and with a frequency not exceeding once a month.

Parasite and Pest Prevention

When handling White's Tree Frogs, always wash your hands thoroughly both before and after to minimize risk of disease transfer. It is advisable to use powder-free vinyl gloves during handling to protect both yourself and the frog, ensuring a safe and hygienic interaction. Maintaining a clean habitat and using safe, chemical-free products is key in preventing any potential parasites and pests.

- Exercise

Physical Activity Needs

White's Tree Frogs are nocturnal and most active during the night, requiring specific physical activity to maintain their health and prevent obesity. To meet their exercise needs, it's essential to provide plenty of vertical space with branches, vines, and logs that can support their weight without collapsing. Alongside this, incorporating live plants such as pothos or ficus enhances their environment, offering additional climbing surfaces while ensuring these plants are non-toxic and sturdy enough to withstand the frogs' activities.

Play and Enrichment

Providing opportunities for exercise and enrichment is crucial for White's Tree Frogs. Enrichment replicates their natural behaviors, promoting mental stimulation and reducing stress. It's important to create hiding areas using dense foliage or commercial hides for security, and to regularly rearrange the enclosure layout, introducing new branches or plants to keep the environment engaging. Allowing frogs to hunt live insects not only fulfills their dietary needs but encourages natural hunting behaviors, enhancing their play and enrichment experience.

Safe Exercise Spaces

To ensure safe exercise spaces for White's Tree Frogs, all enclosure elements must be securely anchored to prevent accidental collapse during climbing. Avoid using sharp or rough materials that could injure their delicate skin. Additionally, a shallow water dish should be provided for soaking, which also helps maintain humidity levels, with daily water changes to ensure cleanliness.

Mental Stimulation

Supporting the mental stimulation of White's Tree Frogs involves ensuring they can house in pairs or small groups of similar size, promoting social interaction among these generally social animals. By incorporating various exercise and enrichment strategies, you can create a stimulating and healthy environment that allows your White's Tree Frog to thrive in captivity.

- Vet

Preventative Care

Regular veterinary visits are essential for monitoring your amphibian's health and identifying potential issues before they escalate. It's recommended to schedule annual check-ups and consult a veterinarian immediately if any symptoms of illness appear. Additionally, to prevent the spread of parasites and diseases, especially when introducing new frogs, it's important to quarantine them for a period of time. This precaution helps maintain a healthy environment for your existing pets.

Signs of Illness

Be vigilant for any changes in your amphibian's behavior, which could signal health issues. Decreased activity levels, reduced appetite, or unusual behavior are key indicators that something may be wrong. Physically, keep an eye out for symptoms such as cloudy eyes, swelling, or any discoloration on the skin. If you notice any of these signs or any distress in your pet, seek veterinary attention promptly to ensure the best care.

- Training