Feeding green tree frogs properly is essential for their health and longevity. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on expert recommendations:
What to Feed
- Diet: Green tree frogs are insectivores. Their diet should consist mainly of live insects such as:
- Crickets (brown or black)
- Cockroaches (woodies)
- Earthworms
- Silkworms
- Mealworms (in moderation)
- Waxworms (as treats, due to high fat)
- Calci-worms
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Occasional moths or small locusts.
Note: Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry parasites or pesticides.
How Much and How Often
- Juveniles: Feed daily, offering as much as they will eat in about 15 minutes.
- Adults: Feed every 2–3 days (2–3 times per week), providing 10–20% of their body weight per week or 2–3 appropriately sized insects every 2 days.
- Best Time: Feed in the evening or at night, as green tree frogs are nocturnal and most active then.
Feeding Techniques
- Free-Range Feeding: Release live insects into the enclosure and allow the frog to hunt.
- Tong/Hand Feeding: Use feeding tongs or forceps to offer insects directly, ensuring each frog gets its share, especially in group settings.
- Feeder Rocks/Logs: Use enrichment tools where insects are placed inside and released gradually, encouraging natural hunting behaviours.
Supplementation
- Calcium and Vitamins:
- Dust insects with a calcium supplement (with vitamin D3) at every feeding for juveniles and every other feeding for adults.
- Use a multivitamin supplement 2–3 times per week for adults and daily for juveniles.
- Gut-Loading: Feed insects a nutrient-rich diet (gut-load) 24–72 hours before offering them to your frog to boost their nutritional value.
Portion Size
- Only offer prey items that are no larger than the space between the frog’s eyes to prevent choking or impaction.
- Remove uneaten insects after feeding to prevent them from harming or stressing the frog and to keep the enclosure clean.
Water
- Always provide a shallow dish of clean, dechlorinated water for soaking and drinking. Change the water daily.
Summary Table: Feeding Green Tree Frogs
| Age/Stage | Frequency | Amount/Type | Supplements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juvenile | Daily | As much as eaten in 15 min, small live insects | Calcium + D3 daily, multivitamin daily |
| Adult | Every 2–3 days | 2–3 insects per feeding, variety of live insects | Calcium + D3 each feeding, multivitamin 2–3x/week |
In summary:
Feed green tree frogs a varied diet of appropriately sized, gut-loaded live insects, dusted with calcium and vitamins. Juveniles eat daily; adults every 2–3 days, preferably at night. Always provide clean, dechlorinated water and remove uneaten food to maintain a healthy environment.