White's tree frogs, also known as dumpy tree frogs due to their pudgy bodies and bulges above their heads, are captivating amphibians native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Their docile nature and adaptability make them popular pets, but understanding their dietary needs is crucial for their health and well-being. This article delves into the specifics of a White's tree frog's diet, covering everything from ideal food sources to proper feeding practices.
Natural Diet and Feeding Habits
In their natural habitat, White's tree frogs are insectivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of insects. They consume a variety of insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates. Occasionally, they may even catch and consume smaller amphibians or small rodents. These frogs are also nocturnal, venturing out in the evening to hunt for food.
Dietary Needs in Captivity
When kept as pets, it's essential to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible. Here's a breakdown of suitable food options and feeding guidelines:
Main Food Sources
- Crickets: Crickets are the most common and readily available food source for White's tree frogs. They should be gut-loaded with a nutritious cricket diet for 48 hours before feeding to the frog.
- Dubia Roaches: Dubia roaches are another excellent option, offering a higher protein content than crickets.
- Mealworms: Mealworms can be offered as part of a varied diet.
Supplemental Food Sources
- Waxworms: Waxworms are high in fat and should be given sparingly as a treat.
- Hornworms: Hornworms can be offered occasionally due to their high moisture content.
- Phoenix Worms: Phoenix worms are a good source of calcium.
- Earthworms/Nightcrawlers: Small earthworms or nightcrawlers can be offered to adult frogs.
Occasional Treats
- Pinky Mice: Adult White's tree frogs can occasionally be fed pinky mice, but this is not a necessary part of their diet and should be offered infrequently as a treat. If offering small mammals to your frog, it is recommended that they’re pre-dead and thawed.
Feeding Schedule and Portion Sizes
- Adults: Adult White's tree frogs should be fed 3-4 large insects (mostly crickets) 2-3 times a week. Alternatively, offer as many crickets as they can eat in about 5-10 minutes, typically between two to six crickets. As white’s tree frogs love to eat and can become easily obese, try not to overfeed them. Adults should be fed every two to three days.
- Juveniles: For juveniles, feed them daily, but in smaller quantities. Babies and sub-adults should be fed every one to two days. Froglets up to four centimeters (one and a half inches) may be fed one to four pinhead crickets, daily. Sub-adult frogs up to eight centimeters (three inches) may be fed one to two, three to four week old crickets, two to three times each week.
Supplementation
- Calcium: Dusting feeder insects with calcium powder is highly suggested, ideally every other feeding. Use a calcium carbonate powder (oyster shell or cuttlebone).
- Vitamins: At least one feeding each week should include crickets dusted lightly with a multi-vitamin-mineral mix that includes vitamin A. It is very important to have vitamin A and not beta-carotene in the supplement!
Gut-Loading
Feeder insects should be given Zilla Gut Load Cricket Drink. By using this product, you will increase the nutritional value of your feeders and help pass important nutrients to your frogs.
Important Considerations
- Size Matters: Ensure that the food items are appropriately sized for your frog to prevent choking or impaction.
- Variety is Key: A diverse diet is essential for providing all the necessary nutrients.
- Obesity Prevention: White's tree frogs are prone to obesity, so it's crucial to monitor their weight and adjust feeding accordingly. The frog has ridges above the eardrum that can indicate the amount of body fat; if you see noticeable ridges, this means the frog is underweight and should be fed more.
- Feeding Methods: Crickets can be added directly into the cage, but other foods should be placed in a shallow ceramic dish or offered by hand using tweezers, tongs, forceps, or chopsticks.
- Water Availability: Always provide a shallow dish of fresh, dechlorinated water for your frog to drink and soak in. Never use distilled water or fresh tap water, as the added chlorine or chloramines will irritate the skin and eyes. Change the water every day or two and clean the water dish thoroughly.
Additional Tips
- Observe Your Frog's Behavior: Pay attention to your frog's eating habits and adjust the diet as needed.
- Consult a Veterinarian: If you have any concerns about your frog's health or diet, consult a veterinarian specializing in amphibians.
- Enclosure and Environment: A tall or high (15-20gal) aquarium is recommended for housing one adult frog. Maintain White’s Tree Frogs between 60-90% humidity. Provide a thermal gradient (a warm side and a cool side) with a cool side being 70-75°F and a basking spot of 80-85°F.
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