How to Own a Dumpy Tree Frog

White's tree frogs are thought to hail from Australia and New Guinea and are sometimes called the dumpy tree frog because of their fat, flabby and "dumpy" appearance. Another nickname for this pudgy character is the "smiling frog." They grow as adults to between 4 and 6 inches in length and live to be about 16 years old. A good choice for the first-time frog owner, the dumpy tree frog enjoys people, likes to be handled and is a quiet, hardy and easy pet to own and care for.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon aquarium with screen top
  • Clamp lamp with 2.0 UVB full-spectrum light bulb
  • T-Rex Jungle Bed
  • Premium Blend Forest Substrate
  • Thermometer
  • Hygrometer
  • Water dish
  • Crickets
  • Fake trees, vines, half logs and moss
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a 10-gallon or larger aquarium to house your frog. Tree frogs can climb and jump, so secure the tank with a tight-fitting screen cover.

    • 2

      Place your frog's terrarium in a quiet room. Dumpy frogs are susceptible to stress which can cause health issues.

    • 3

      Cover the bottom of the terrarium with T-Rex Jungle Bed Premium Blend Forest Substrate. You need to use a special brand of substrate --- not sand, rock, or gravel --- because frogs will eat the material when they dive for food and need substrate that is safely ingested.

    • 4

      Attach a clamp light to the aquarium. Use a 2.0 UVB full-spectrum light bulb specifically for reptiles and amphibians.

    • 5

      Use a thermometer to ensure terrarium temperature remains between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 6

      Measure humidity with a hygrometer. Habitat humidity should be at least 50 percent.

    • 7

      Adorn the tank with fake trees, moss, vines and half logs to create and attractive and comfortable environment.

    • 8

      Place a water dish in the aquarium. The dish should be shallow enough so the frog can't get in over its head. Dumpy frogs are not good swimmers and could drown. Use bottled water without chlorine, which will kill the frogs.

    • 9

      Feed the frog a few large crickets two or three times a week. Watch the frog for overfeeding. If it's eyelids start to fold over the eyes, cut back on feedings.

    • 10

      Clean the terrarium at least once a month. Use tissue to pick up the frog's droppings regularly.