Pacman frogs are known for their tendency to spend much of their time burrowing and hiding underground. This unique behavior is completely natural for these frogs, though it sometimes causes concern for new pacman frog owners. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about pacman frog burrowing.
Why Do Pacman Frogs Burrow?
There are a few key reasons why pacman frogs love to burrow:
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Hunting strategy – Pacman frogs are ambush predators. They sit motionless and hidden waiting for prey to come near. Burrowing helps them stay concealed and ready to strike.
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Temperature regulation – Burrowing allows pacman frogs to escape excess heat and find cooler temperatures. As amphibians, they need to prevent overheating.
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Humidity – Underground the atmosphere is more humid. Pacman frogs have very permeable skin that needs moisture. Burrowing exposes them to the dampness they require.
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Security – By hiding underground with just their eyes and nose poking out pacman frogs feel safer from threats. It’s their version of “out of sight, out of mind.”
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Stress relief – Pacman frogs spend most of their time inactive and burrowed. For them, this is relaxing and comfortable. It may help relieve stress.
Essentially, burrowing provides pacman frogs with ideal hunting, temperature, humidity, protection, and comfort. It’s a natural behavior engrained in them as a survival mechanism and species trait.
How Deep Do Pacman Frogs Burrow?
Pacman frogs can burrow surprisingly deep into the substrate. In the wild, they have been observed burrowing up to 5 inches underground.
In captivity, most owners provide 2-3 inches of substrate. This is usually sufficient, as pacman frogs will burrow down until they feel suitably hidden and comfortable.
Provide at least 2 inches of substrate, up to 5 inches for larger frogs. Ensure the substrate is dense enough to create burrows and tunnels. Coconut fiber and sphagnum moss mixtures work well.
How Long Can Pacman Frogs Stay Burrowed?
Pacman frogs can stay burrowed for remarkably long periods. In the wild, they may burrow for weeks or even months at a time, especially during dry seasons.
In captivity, it varies based on the individual frog. But frequently, pacman frogs will stay buried for days or weeks without emerging. They tend to be more active at night.
Younger pacman frogs under 1 year old spend more time hiding than adult frogs over 1 year old. But all ages burrow for extended periods.
As long as your pacman frog is alert, eating regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight, extended burrowing is nothing to worry about. It’s simply in their nature. Monitor for signs of illness if burrowing behavior seems excessive.
Should You Dig Up a Burrowed Pacman Frog?
Sometimes pacman frog owners, especially first-timers, worry when their pet stays buried for days on end. They may be tempted to dig up the frog and check on it.
But this is ill-advised in most cases. Attempting to force a healthy, but burrowed frog out of the substrate will cause it unnecessary stress.
Only dig up your pacman frog if you have reason to believe it is sick, injured, or in danger. Look for these signs first:
- Lethargy or loss of alertness
- Not eating for over 2 weeks
- Visible injuries or abnormalities
- Very hard lower belly (may indicate impaction)
If you observe any of those symptoms combined with prolonged burrowing, excavate the substrate gently using a spoon. Remove the frog to examine it. Then return it to a fresh habitat after addressing any issues found.
Otherwise, allow your pacmac frog to burrow as desired. It’s relaxing and beneficial for them.
Why Won’t My Pacman Frog Burrow?
On the flip side, sometimes pacman frogs refuse to burrow. This can also be problematic, as burrowing is in their nature.
Here are some potential reasons a pacman frog won’t burrow:
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Improper temperatures – If temperatures are too low, the frog won’t feel the need to escape heat. Maintain 80-85°F during the day.
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Inadequate substrate – The substrate may not be deep enough or dense enough for burrowing. Use a mix like coconut fiber and moss.
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Stress – High stress levels can prevent natural behaviors like burrowing. Ensure proper tank setup and leave the frog alone.
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Illness – Sick frogs often stop burrowing and hide in the open. Look for other symptoms and consult an exotics vet.
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Youth – Very young pacman frogs under 4-6 months old sometimes don’t burrow much. They outgrow this as they mature.
Adjusting temperatures, substrate, tank setup, or age should encourage burrowing. If not, illness could be the cause. Get your frog checked by an experienced herp vet.
In Summary
Burrowing is completely normal behavior for healthy, content pacman frogs. Don’t worry if your pacman frog spends more time underground than above. It allows them to hunt, regulate temperature and humidity, feel safe, and rest comfortably.
Provide an adequately deep, dense substrate and maintain proper temperature gradients in the tank. Then sit back and enjoy your pet’s charming little nose poking up from below as it lives happily ever after!
My Pac-Man frog burrowing again!
FAQ
Is it normal for Pacman frogs to burrow?
It’s 100% normal for them to completely bury themselves when they feel like it! Especially since it’s winter they may just be hunkering down.
Why is my frog burrowing?
That’s probably stressing him out pixies. Frogs spend the majority of their time burrowing in their hole, sleeping or waiting for food, and then coming out to sit in their water area, feed him if he refuses to eat, then maybe worry if he stays burrowed over a week start worrying.
How do I know if my Pacman frog is stressed?
If you have a newly-introduced PacMan frog, stress could be the culprit of why it has a lack of appetite. When you first bring your new pet home make sure to have its home fully operational and functional, and give it a place to hide so it can feel secure.
Why do frogs bury themselves?
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Hibernation (Brumation):Some frogs, like toads, will bury themselves in mud or muck during the winter to conserve energy and avoid freezing temperatures.
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Camouflage:Burrowing can help frogs blend into their surroundings, making them harder to spot by predators.
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Ambush Hunting:Some frogs, like pixie frogs, bury themselves to ambush prey, waiting for unsuspecting insects to come within striking distance.
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Moisture Conservation:Frogs have permeable skin and are at risk of drying out, so burying themselves in moist soil helps them retain moisture.
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Temperature Regulation:The earth can be cooler than the surface, so burying themselves can help frogs regulate their body temperature, especially during extreme weather.
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Species-Specific Behaviors:Some species, like burrowing frogs, are adapted to live almost entirely underground, feeding on termites or other underground prey.