How to Re-create a Frog Habitat

Frogs are fairly uncommon pets, but can be convenient for apartment dwellers. Frog habitats can usually be built in a space as small as a fish tank, depending on the size of the frog. Building the habitat is fairly simple, but should be done before purchasing the frog because many frogs are delicate and die easily under less-than-ideal conditions. Fortunately, once you have built the habitat, your frog should be easy to care for unless it is an exotic or specialized breed such as a goliath frog.

Things You'll Need

  • Rocks
  • Dirt/earth
  • Plants
  • Water
  • Frog food such as crickets or fish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research your frog before purchasing it. Learn about its natural habitat and how much space it requires to thrive. Many small frogs can survive happily in a large fish tank, but goliath frogs are over a foot long and can jump 13 feet, so they require a specialized tank.

    • 2

      Acquire earth and plant life appropriate to your frog. Find out what is common in the frog's natural environment and try to get a small/young version of the plants. If you can't get the exact type, call your local plant nursery and ask for appropriate nontoxic replacements. You may need to purchase special lighting/heating equipment for both your frogs and plants. Some tropical frogs like the tiny Puerto Rican Coqui can die within hours if they are not kept moist, so well-wetted potting soil or fertile dirt works well. Desert frogs like the northern casque-headed frog (found in the Midwestern US) are accustomed to moisture only during when it breeds during the monsoon season, so keeping moisture under control will prevent that species from becoming overexcited and confused.

    • 3

      Place a thin layer of rock or sand in the bottom of the tank or frog habitat. Depending on the type of frog, you may wish to install a shallow pond for the frog to swim in or to keep fish on hand for a live snack. You can use a plastic bowl to make a pond. Pour dirt or sand around the bowl and pack it down securely. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh.

    • 4

      Place your plants and any decorative stones around the tank. Create hiding places for the frog and provide sticks to climb and holes for it to live in or explore. Give your plants a week or two to take root and become part of the habitat so they don't fall over. Water and light the plants according to their needs. Artificial lighting is preferable, because a tank should not be kept in proximity to a window because fluctuations in temperature could prove a risk to your frog.

    • 5

      Purchase your frog and introduce it to its new home.