 | Each Frog: $10-$90 |
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 | Frog Tank: $20-$250+ |
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| Frogs are amphibians, which means they live both in water and on land. They are popular as pets for their spectacular colors, compelling physique and jumping ability. And for an exotic pet, they are quite low-maintenance. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Frogs come in a variety of species. More common pet frogs cost under $10, while the rarer frogs cost up to $90.
- More common pet frogs include the African dwarf frog and Whites tree frog. These are small, easy to care for, and active, making them good frogs for "beginner" frog owners as well as for children. They exhibit the characteristics that typify a frog, so they won't disappoint. At Petco.com, an African dwarf frog costs under $3 while a Whites tree frog costs $23 at PetSolutions.com. More exotic frogs, like the red eyed tree frog and the green and black auratus dart frog, cost $60 or $70 at the same site.
What should be included: | - Consider what purpose owning a frog will serve. Is it to marvel at the unique coloring or to be amused at its antics? Frogs vary in activity level. Be sure to get one that will live up to your expectations.
Additional costs: | - Most frogs do fine on a diet of crickets. For $17, 250 crickets -- or a three-month supply -- can be purchased at Petco.com.
- Some people opt to buy containers to keep their crickets in so they don't have to make frequent trips to the pet store for food for their frogs. A cricket keeper costs $4.
- The type of aquarium set-up needed will depend on the species of frog chosen and its typical habitat. Some frogs are best adapted to a dry climate, while others live totally in water, and some are adapted to living in tree branches and need a tall tank to live in. The most common set-up is with half water and half dry land, according to AllAboutFrogs.org. A tank with lights, a heat source or other required options can cost anywhere from $20 -$250+. For example, a Star Wars-themed 13.2"x7.2"x7.2" aquatic frog habitat for watching tadpoles turn into frogs sells for around $30, while Florida Herps sells a complete 12"x12"x18" tree frog habitat kit with a basking lamp plus temeperature and humidity guages for $220.
Shopping for a pet frog: | - The American Veterinary Medical Association has a downloadable brochure titled Selecting an Amphibian that provides an overview on what to consider when considering an amphibian such as a frog as a pet.
- anapsid.org provides a list of how to care for a green tree frog, a common variety. This should serve as a good jumping off point in researching whether or not a frog is a good pet choice.
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Article updated August 2010 |
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