How to Care for an Ornate Horned Frog

Ornate horned frogs, Ceratophrys ornata, stand out among rain forest frogs for their size, prodigious appetites and thorn-like bumps on their skin. If you care for your horned frog properly, it can grow to 6 inches long and live for 10 years or more. Amphibians of any kind are an ongoing commitment of time and money, and are rarely suitable pets for children. If you just want a short-lived, easy to care for exotic pet, you are far better off with one of the more straightforward exotic insects, such as a stick insect. However, if you have a strong interest in amphibians and are willing to put in the effort, ornate horned frogs are one of the easier species to look after.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon or larger fish tank with UVB light
  • Under-tank heat pad
  • Fertilizer-free potting compost or amphibian substrate
  • Shallow ceramic dish
  • Live food
  • Plant sprayer
  • Small holding tank
  • Amphibian-safe disinfectant
  • Vinyl gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a large tank for your frog. Add a layer of damp, fertilizer-free potting compost or a substrate specifically for amphibians at least 1 inch deeper than the height of your frog.

    • 2

      Provide heat if necessary with a heat pad under the tank. Ornate horned frogs need a temperature of approximately 75 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Never use a reptile heat lamp for amphibians, as it can dehydrate their skin

    • 3

      Fill a shallow ceramic dish with 2 inches of dechlorinated water. The simplest way to dechlorinate tap water is to fill a bucket and leave for 24 hours. The water should not be deeper that the distance between your frog's mouth and the ground. Ornate horned frogs drown easily. Replace the water daily.

    • 4

      Feed your frog live or frozen food, such as crickets, of a suitable size two to three times a week. They are able to eat practically any food item that is smaller than them. Dust the food once a week with a calcium and vitamin D supplement. A suitable powder is available from reptile supply stores. You can feed the frog daily, but there is a risk of obesity. If your frog becomes wider than it is long, you are feeding too often.

    • 5

      Mist the tank daily with dechlorinated water in a plant sprayer.

    • 6

      Replace the substrate once a week. Move the frog to a small tank with substrate while you clean out the main one. Clean the main tank with a disinfectant specifically for amphibian tanks. Rinse away all traces before replacing the substrate and returning the frog.