BARKING TREE FROG  

  • The Barking Tree Frog gets its name from the low-pitched sounds it makes during the rainy season, which have been described as similar to that of a dog, or even a honking goose. This sound is only made by the males.
  • Highly variable in color, from lime green to brown. Generally, it is medium green with dark circles or blotches, and gold or yellow flecks.
  • One of the largest tree frogs native to Southeastern U.S., they grow to be about 2.5 to 3 inches long.
  • They are nocturnal animals, and healthy frogs remain asleep during the day unless they are disturbed or notice food.
  • The Barking Tree Frog is hardy and friendly, making it a good choice for beginners as well as experienced herp owners. In some cases, it will become accustomed to eating from the owner's hand.

Diet

The majority of a tree frog’s diet should consist of crickets, with other food items such as waxworms or mealworms, being substituted for them every few feedings. Dust food items with a reptile calcium/vitamin supplement at least three times a week.

Keep a dish of fresh, clean water in the cage at all times. Frogs will sit in their water dish and absorb water through their skin, so the water should always be clean. It’s a good idea to use a water conditioner for reptiles to treat the water for your frog.

Housing  

Tree frogs are arboreal, or tree-dwelling, needing taller habitats such as a 15 or 20 gallon “tall” aquarium with a screen top for ventilation. They love to hide and climb so the tank should be planted with a wide variety of plants, vines and branches. Multiple tree frogs can be housed together, a 15 gallon tank is sufficient for housing up to three barking tree frogs.

During the day, the cage should stay between 75°F and 80°F. At night the temperature in the cage can drop to 65°F without harm. A heat lamp placed on one side of the tank, turned on for at least 8-10 hours each day, will ensure that your tank stays warm enough. Misting the cage several times a week, the humidity level can vary anywhere between 40-60%.

Handling

Barking tree frogs are generally very friendly and don’t mind being handled for short periods of time. Don’t use soap prior to handling your tree frog, as soap can be harmful to its skin. Handling during cage cleaning or to inspect the overall health of your pet is acceptable, but keep the amount of time you’re holding a tree frog short to prevent stress.

Always be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap after handling.

Health

Red leg is a common disease in frogs caused by bad husbandry. It causes small ulcers, hemorrhages, and reddening of the skin around the belly and underside of the thighs. Metabolic Bone Disease is also common, but easily prevented by dusting the food with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement at least three times a week.