Did you know a White’s tree frog can live up to 23 years under proper care?
The gentle and laid-back White’s Tree Frog is a popular pet that doesn’t need much space, is generally easy to care for, and is an excellent companion for all ages.
Read on to learn about this unique amphibian and some advice to give your pet a happy, comfortable life!
Setting up the perfect vivarium for white tree frogs may seem intimidating at first, but following this comprehensive guide will ensure your frogs thrive in captivity I’ve kept these charming amphibians for years, so I’m sharing all my tips and tricks for habitat success
White tree frogs, scientifically called Litoria caerulea, originate from Australia and New Guinea. Growing up to 4 inches long, these frogs live in humid forests and woodlands. They earned their name from the white waxy coating on their skin.
As arboreal frogs white tree frogs have sticky toe pads that help them climb. They live high up in trees to stay safe from predators. Their habitat naturally provides food like insects small vertebrates, and other frogs.
Gathering White Tree Frog Tank Supplies
Before setting up your white tree frog habitat you’ll need to purchase these essential supplies
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Enclosure: A tall, front-opening glass tank at least 20 gallons for 1-2 frogs. Scale up 10 gallons per additional frog.
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Substrate: Coconut husk and sphagnum moss to retain moisture.
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Plants: Either live or artificial plants for climbing and hiding. Pothos, philodendrons, and ficus work well.
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Branches and vines: Natural wood or plastic for climbing enrichment.
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Heating: An undertank heating pad connected to a thermostat, keeping the temperature at 75-80°F.
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Lighting: Fluorescent or LED lights on a 12 hour on/off cycle.
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Humidity: A hygrometer to monitor 40-60% humidity. Mist the tank daily.
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Water bowl: A shallow bowl big enough for soaking, changed frequently.
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Food dish (optional): For holding feeder insects.
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Calcium dish: For leaving calcium powder out 24/7.
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Thermometer: To monitor temperatures.
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Temporarily housing: Like a plastic critter carrier for move-in day.
Setting Up Your White Tree Frog Terrarium
Once you’ve gathered all the habitat ingredients, it’s time for assembly! Follow these steps:
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Thoroughly clean the tank and any decorative items with plain water only.
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Add a 2-3 inch layer of drainage material like LECA balls or gravel on the bottom, then cover with a mesh divider.
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Put down 2-3 inches of coconut husk substrate on top of the divider. Saturate it completely.
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Scoop sphagnum moss around the edges and any other moist hideouts you add.
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Place the heating pad under one side of the tank.
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Install lighting on a timer overhead the mesh top.
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Decorate with plants, branches, vines, and hides like coconut huts.
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Add the water bowl, calcium dish, and feeding dish.
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Check that temperatures and humidity levels are in the ideal range.
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Your new white tree frog mansion is ready for occupants!
Introducing Frogs to Their New Home
introducing Statement
The day your frogs move into their new digs should be low-stress. Here are some tips:
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Set up the tank 1-2 weeks in advance so conditions stabilize.
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When bringing frogs home, keep them in a transport carrier.
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Place the unopened carrier inside the habitat so frogs can adjust.
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After 30 minutes, open the carrier so frogs can explore when ready.
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Watch to make sure new tankmates get along peacefully.
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Offer familiar foods at first before transitioning to new fare.
Keeping Your Habitat Thriving
Caring for your white tree frog tank is vital for their health. Follow this routine:
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Spot clean daily by removing waste, uneaten food, etc.
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Wash water bowls, dishes, and decor items as needed.
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Fully change the substrate every 4-6 weeks.
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Check that heating, lighting, and humidity function properly.
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Prune or replace live plants when required.
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Monitor for any signs of disease and isolate sick frogs promptly.
White’s Tree Frog’s Natural Habitat
The white’s tree frog is an amphibian native to regions throughout Australia and southern New Guinea. As their name states, they reside most often in trees.
While they prefer wet climates like rainforests, they can also live in drier areas. Wet and humid climates are best because tree frogs breathe by absorbing oxygen through the moisture on their skin. Without adequate moisture, they could suffocate.
That being said, they aren’t great swimmers, so to find water, they look in cup-shaped leaves and tree crevices that have collected rainwater.
Their bodies are adaptable so you can still find them in drier suburban areas. To stay alive, their bodies emit a slimy substance called caerviein, which acts like a moist cacoon to fight against dehydration.
White’s tree frogs are arboreal and nocturnal, so they’ll rest on tree branches or inside trunk crevices during the day, then venture to the ground during the evening. Hiding during the day helps them avoid predators like snakes, lizards, birds, fish, dogs, and cats.
If threatened, a white’s tree frog will let out an ear-piercing scream. They don’t have many defense mechanisms, but their loud screech is a good deterrent for many predators.
They’re very docile frogs that, unless searching for a mate, like to keep to themselves. They’re not poisonous, either.
In fact, substances extracted from their skin have medical uses for humans. It’s been used to fight bacteria, lower blood pressure, and treat cold sores.
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How To Setup A Bioactive Tree Frog Terrarium!! (Exo Terra Tree Frog Terrarium)
FAQ
What do white tree frogs need in their tank?
- Size: A minimum 10-gallon terrarium is recommended, but larger is always better.
- Ventilation: A tight-fitting, ventilated lid is essential for airflow.
- Climbing: Provide plenty of climbing opportunities with branches, vines, and plants.
- Substrate: Use a substrate like coconut fiber, organic soil, or larger pieces of bark, covered with damp sphagnum moss to maintain humidity.
- Water Dish: Provide a shallow water dish for the frog to soak in.
- Hiding Spots: Include dense plant cover or large pieces of cork bark for hiding.
- Backdrop: Consider covering the back of the tank with dark paper to help the frog find a secluded area to sleep.
What is the best setup for a white tree frog?
Housing. Whites 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.
Do white tree frogs need a heat lamp?
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Ideal Temperature Range:White’s tree frogs thrive in a temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day, with a basking area that can reach up to 90°F (32°C).
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Nighttime Temperatures:Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to around 68-75°F (20-24°C).
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Heat Lamp Options:
- Basking Spot: A low-wattage white heat bulb, like a 25w Zoo Med Basking Spot Lamp, can be used to create a basking area.
- Heat Mat: A heat mat on one side of the enclosure can also help maintain a temperature gradient, regulated with a thermostat.
- Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE): A CHE can provide heat without emitting light, which is useful for nighttime heating.
- Basking Spot: A low-wattage white heat bulb, like a 25w Zoo Med Basking Spot Lamp, can be used to create a basking area.
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While White’s tree frogs are nocturnal, they can benefit from exposure to full-spectrum lighting during the day, which can help with their calcium absorption.
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Temperature Gradient:It’s crucial to create a temperature gradient within the enclosure, allowing the frog to choose its preferred temperature.
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Thermostat:A thermostat is highly recommended to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating or underheating.
What size tank for 2 white tree frogs?
ENCLOSURE SIZE: A minimum of 4 gallons of tank space per frog (minimum 10 gallons).