How to Build a Habitat for a Red Eye Tree Frog

Red-eyed tree frogs are found in the wild from southern Mexico to South America. They are nocturnal and carnivorous, eating most any insect they can catch. As their name suggests, they do live their adult lives in trees of the lower elevation rain forests, rarely coming to the ground. As a pet, red-eyed tree frogs thrive when they have a captive habitat that is similar to their native habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Plants
  • Branches
  • Substrate
  • Misting system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a tank as the enclosure for your frogs̵7; habitat. The tank should be at least 20 gallons for one or two frogs. The tank should have a mesh lid, which can be purchased at most pet stores. Tall tanks are best for these tree-climbing frogs.

    • 2

      Create a substrate on the bottom of the tank that will hold humidity. Bark, peat moss, paper towels, clean dirt and coconut husk fiber are good choices.

    • 3

      Place a variety of tree branches and plants, live or fake, in the tank. To feel comfortable, the frogs should have lots of spots on which to climb and places in which to hide. Make sure the branches and plants are secure so that they do not fall and injure the frogs. Ivy, bamboo and ferns can be used inside the frogs̵7; tank.

    • 4

      Maintain a constant humidity level of about 70 percent. To do this, keep a shallow bowl of water on the bottom of the tank and mist the tank several times a day with a squirt bottle. You can also install a reptile misting system.

    • 5

      Keep a daytime temperature of 75 to 85 degrees F, and a nighttime temperature of 65 to 75 degrees F. Use a heat lamp outside of the tank, a reptile heating pad under the tank, or both.