Gray tree frogs, also known as Hyla versicolor, make for unique and engaging pets. With proper care, these hardy frogs can live 10-15 years in captivity. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about keeping gray tree frogs happy and healthy.
Gray Tree Frog Facts and Information
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Native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
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Males reach 1.25 – 1.5 inches long, females reach 1.5 – 2.25 inches long.
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Coloration can vary from gray green to brown, allowing them to blend into their surroundings.
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Nocturnal and arboreal – they are active at night and spend most of their time in trees,
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Mating call sounds like a trill, lasting less than a second.
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Eggs hatch into tadpoles in 3-7 days. Tadpoles transform into froglets in around 65 days.
Gray Tree Frog Housing
Gray tree frogs are arboreal, meaning they live in trees. Their enclosure should cater to their climbing nature with plenty of vertical space. The minimum size for 1-2 frogs is a 12” x 12” x 18” tall terrarium. For 4+ frogs, use an 18” x 18” x 24” or larger tank.
The following housing items are recommended:
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Glass terrarium – provides ventilation while retaining humidity.
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Substrate – Use a moisture-friendly substrate like coconut fiber to help maintain humidity levels.
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Plants and branches – Provide plenty of climbing and hiding spots. Use live or artificial plants.
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Water dish – Use a shallow, dechlorinated water dish.
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Misting system – Use a hand mister or misting system to maintain humidity.
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Under tank heater (optional) – Helps maintain ambient temperatures of 65-80°F. Use with a thermostat.
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Canopy – Holds lighting and helps contain humidity.
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Thermometer + hygrometer – Monitor temperature and humidity levels.
Gray Tree Frog Temperature, Lighting and Humidity
Temperature – Gray tree frogs do well at 65-80°F. Provide a gradient with the warm side at 80°F and the cool side around 70°F. Use an under tank heater regulated by a thermostat.
Lighting – As nocturnal animals, UVB lighting is not required but can be provided for live plants. Use a low wattage 5% UVB fluorescent or compact bulb.
Humidity – Maintain humidity around 50-80%. Mist the terrarium 1-2 times per day and monitor humidity with a hygrometer. Provide good ventilation to prevent mold.
Feeding Gray Tree Frogs
Gray tree frogs are insectivores and should be fed a variety of appropriately-sized feeder insects.
Juveniles – Feed daily. Use pinhead crickets, fruit flies.
Adults – Feed every 2-3 days. Use small crickets, mealworms, waxworms.
Supplements – Dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 at every feeding. Use a multivitamin supplement 1-2 times per week.
Gutloading – “Gutload” insects by feeding them nutritious foods like vegetables and fruit before feeding them to your frog.
Water – Provide dechlorinated water for misting and in a shallow water dish, changed daily. Use bottled spring water or treat tap water with amphibian-safe water conditioner.
Variety – Offer a variety of feeder insects for a balanced diet. Measure feeders – they should be no bigger than the width of the frog’s head.
Gray Tree Frog Handling and Temperament
Gray tree frogs are fragile amphibians with sensitive skin. Limit handling to reduce stress. Always wash hands thoroughly before and after handling to prevent transfer of toxins or bacteria.
When handled properly, gray tree frogs exhibit a docile, calm temperament. They can be observed climbing and hunting for food at night. Their small size and minimal care requirements make them suitable pets for beginners.
Gray Tree Frog Tank Cleaning and Maintenance
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Spot clean waste with a paper towel or sopping wet cloth daily.
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Deep clean the tank every 2-4 weeks. Replace substrate, sanitize decor/furnishings.
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Check water quality in dishes daily. Change water frequently.
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Wash hands before and after cleaning or handling frogs to prevent spread of bacteria.
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Disinfect with a diluted bleach or vinegar solution when deep cleaning. Rinse thoroughly.
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Remove frogs before cleaning. Avoid strong chemicals or soaps that can irritate frog skin.
Breeding Gray Tree Frogs
With the right conditions, gray tree frogs may breed in captivity. To encourage breeding:
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House a male and female frog together in a 20 gal terrarium.
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Simulate seasons by gradually cooling the tank over 2-4 weeks, then slowly warming it back up.
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Play gray tree frog breeding calls to excite the frogs as the tank warms.
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Provide amplexus perches and a large water area for the female to lay eggs.
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Remove eggs to a separate rearing tank. Tadpoles hatch in 3-7 days. Metamorphosis takes 2-3 months.
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Rear tadpoles in shallow water, changing frequently. Feed boiled spinach, fish flakes, etc until froglets form.
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Raise froglet juveniles in a basic terrestrial setup with shallow water dish and appropriate foods.
Tips for a Healthy Gray Tree Frog
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Buy a captive bred frog, not wild caught.
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Select an appropriately sized terrarium with proper lighting and heating.
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Maintain proper temperature, humidity, and clean water.
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Use safe, dechlorinated water free of chemicals and toxins.
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Provide ample climbing branches, plants, and hiding spots.
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Vary diet and use proper supplements.
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Avoid handling when possible and wash hands before and after.
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Quarantine new frogs for 30-60 days before introducing them.
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Research exotic pet veterinarians in case of illness or injury.
In Summary
Hyla versicolor Gray tree frogs are large, arboreal species common throughout much of the eastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. They have highly adapted toe tips for climbing and change color based on their temperature and activity.
The gray tree frogs color changes in response to its environment and activities, and can range from green to gray or brown. The upper surface of the body has a blotchy pattern that resembles lichen. Although the pattern varies, it usually features two dark central patches, which can be green, buff or gray. These frogs have a white spot beneath each eye and a dark stripe from the rear of the eyes to the front of the legs. The snout is short, and the skin is warty and coarse.
The upper surfaces of the legs feature a dark, banded pattern, which contrasts starkly with the bright yellow or orange undersides of the legs. Scientists believe the bright coloration serves as a warning for predators not to attack. The gray tree frog has webbed hands and feet. The enlarged tip of each digit produces an adhesive fluid that allows this species to better grip trees and improves its climbing abilities. The frogs belly is white, although the male reveals a black throat when it is calling.
Like the adult, the gray tree frog tadpole has inconsistent coloring, including different shades of brown or olive green. As tadpoles, they are scarlet or orange-vermilion with black blotches around the edge of the crests. The body and tail are patterned with many specks of black and gold. As the individual ages, it develops its adult coloration.
Adult male gray tree frogs are around 1.25-2 inches (32-52 millimeters) in length. Females are typically slightly larger than males, ranging from 1.5-2.25 inches (38-60 millimeters) in length.
The gray tree frogs range covers much of the eastern United States, from northern Florida to central Texas and north to parts of southeastern Canada. It is a largely arboreal species that occupies a variety of wooded habitats and is frequently found in forests, swamps, on agricultural lands and in backyards.
Access to trees and a water source is common to all habitats it occupies. When a gray tree frog is young and newly metamorphosed, it usually remains near the forest floor. As it ages, it may transition to living in the forest canopy.
Gray tree frogs typically live for seven to nine years.
Males emit a loud, musical call, usually after dusk, for as long as four hours. The male uses the call to establish a breeding territory and to find a mate.
Adult gray tree frogs mainly prey upon different types of insects and their own larvae. Mites, spiders, plant lice, snails and slugs are common prey. They may also occasionally eat smaller frogs, including other tree frogs.
They are nocturnal and hunt in the understory of wooded areas in trees and shrubs. As tadpoles, they eat algae and organic detritus found in the water.
How to Care for Gray Treefrogs!
FAQ
Can I keep a grey tree frog as a pet?
Enclosure Size: While Gray Tree Frogs do not require a massive setup to be kept successfully, they still should be housed in a setup that provides adequate opportunities to move around and keep active. For a single adult male or adult female, a 10 gallon aquarium or similarly sized plastic tub can work nicely.
What can I feed my grey tree frog?
Adult gray tree frogs mainly prey upon different types of insects and their own larvae. Mites, spiders, plant lice, snails and slugs are common prey. They may also occasionally eat smaller frogs, including other tree frogs.
Where should I put a gray tree frog?
Housing. Gray tree frogs do well with a glass terrarium as their enclosure. This is because glass is great at allowing heat to escape ensuring that the enclosure stays cool enough. Other enclosures such as wooden vivariums are far too efficient at retaining heat.
How long do gray tree frogs live in captivity?
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Lifespan:
- While some reports suggest captive gray tree frogs can live for over 20 years, a more realistic lifespan for a properly cared for captive-bred individual is around 10 years.
- Some reports claim individual Gray Tree Frogs lived for over 20+ years in captivity
- Wild-caught tree frogs often only last a few years or less in captivity.
- While some reports suggest captive gray tree frogs can live for over 20 years, a more realistic lifespan for a properly cared for captive-bred individual is around 10 years.
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Factors Affecting Lifespan:
- Diet, environment, genetics, and exposure to harmful pathogens all play a role in determining the lifespan of gray tree frogs in captivity.
- Diet, environment, genetics, and exposure to harmful pathogens all play a role in determining the lifespan of gray tree frogs in captivity.
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Care in Captivity:
- A simple setup, like a 20-gallon tall aquarium with a substrate of dampened paper towels, can work well for these frogs.
- Providing a proper environment and diet is crucial for their long-term health and lifespan.
- A simple setup, like a 20-gallon tall aquarium with a substrate of dampened paper towels, can work well for these frogs.
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Cope’s Gray Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis):
- Cope’s gray tree frog is very similar to the gray treefrog and usually can only be distinguished by their calls.
- Cope’s gray tree frogs have an average life span of 2.5 years but can live up to 7 years.
- Cope’s gray tree frog is very similar to the gray treefrog and usually can only be distinguished by their calls.
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- Eastern Gray Treefrogs can live to be 7 to 9 years old.
- Eastern Gray Treefrogs can live to be 7 to 9 years old.
Are gray tree frogs easy to care for?
They’re super easy to care for compared to other reptiles and amphibians, and they’re among the coolest pets you can bring into your home. They’re fun to learn about and care for, and this guide will break down everything you need to know about them! The gray tree frog is the perfect amphibian for beginners.
What is a gray tree frog?
One of the most popular treefrogs is the Gray Tree Frog; the Hyla versicolor. These beautiful treefrogs have the ability to change colors; from a light gray to green and sometimes a brown coloration. They are easily one of the U.S. and Canada’s best-looking treefrogs and they’re fairly easy to care for.
How long do gray tree frogs live?
As an adult, the gray tree frog can grow between 3.2cm and 5.7cm / 1.25” to 2.25” in length. They only reach full maturity when they reach two years. Males are typically smaller then females. With proper care, a gray tree frog can live between 10 and 15 years in captivity.
How do you handle a gray tree frog?
Ensure you practice good hygiene if handling a gray tree frog by washing your hands thoroughly after handling, do not touch your eyes, and wear gloves where possible to reduce the risk of getting the secretion on your skin. Related – Are tree frogs poisonous? Are Gray tree frogs Good Pets?
How do you keep a gray tree frog warm?
Last but not least, if you need to raise the temperature of your frog’s enclosure to meet their needs, a light or a heat lamp are great options. Gray treefrogs survive in a wide range of temperatures in the wild; anywhere between 50 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit and even freezing temperatures during the winter months.
Do gray tree frogs need heat?
Compared to many other reptiles and amphibians, gray tree frogs have fairly simple care requirements for heat. They need to remain in an environment that’s warmer than 68°F, but it doesn’t need to be much hotter than this.