Tree Frog Care

What is a Tree Frog?

A Tree Frog is a advanced-keeper frog from White's: northern/eastern Australia and southern New Guinea. Adults reach White's: 3–5 in (females larger); Red-eyed: 2–4 in and can live White's: 15–20 (exceptional longevity for a frog); Red-eyed: 7–10 years in captivity. Two of the hobby's most iconic arboreal frogs — the forgiving, long-lived White's (dumpy) tree frog for beginners and the stunning nocturnal red-eyed tree frog for intermediate keepers — both need tall humid vivariums, live insects, and cool nights to thrive. Tree Frogs are an advanced-keeper species that demand precise, consistent husbandry.

What size vivarium does a Tree Frog need?

The minimum enclosure for an adult Tree Frog is White's (single): 18×18×24 in (arboreal — height prioritized over footprint; add 10 gal per additional frog). Red-eyed (pair): 18×18×24 in minimum; 24×18×36 recommended. Provide horizontal branches, cork bark hides, and broad-leaf plants (live or artificial) for daytime roosting.. This is an arboreal species — height is critical. Use a tall, well-ventilated planted vivarium with horizontal branches, cork bark hides, and broad-leaf plants for perching and daytime roosting.

What you need:

1. Tall planted vivarium — 18×18×24 in minimum; height prioritised over footprint.
2. Horizontal branches and cork bark — multiple perching levels; hides at various heights.
3. Live or artificial foliage — broad-leaf plants for cover and humidity.
4. Drainage layer — false bottom or drainage mesh + substrate barrier to prevent root rot.
5. Ventilation panels — cross-ventilation prevents stagnant air and bacterial buildup.

What temperature does a Tree Frog need?

Amphibians require NO basking lamp. Tree Frogs are kept at ambient/room temperature — daytime White's: 74–84 ambient°F, night drop to White's: 65–72°F. Most frogs overheat rapidly above their maximum; if your home runs warm, a small fan or cooling rack is safer than any heat source. Use a reliable digital thermometer; stick-on strip gauges are inaccurate.

Do Tree Frogs need UVB?

UVB is low/optional for Tree Frogs — target UVI 0.5–1.0 (Ferguson Zone 1). A T5 HO low-output bulb (e.g., Arcadia ShadeDweller) benefits calcium metabolism and D3 synthesis without creating a basking hotspot. It is not strictly required if feeders are consistently dusted with calcium+D3, but low UVB supports long-term bone health. Provide a 12-hour photoperiod on a timer; replace bulbs every 12 months regardless of visible light output.

What humidity does a Tree Frog need?

Maintain humidity at White's: 50–70 average with nightly misting spikes to 70–80% by misting with dechlorinated or spring water. Never use tap water directly — chlorine and chloramines penetrate the skin of amphibians and cause tissue damage. Mist thoroughly but allow the substrate surface to breathe between sessions; stagnant 100% humidity with no airflow causes bacterial and fungal infections. Good ventilation (screen top or cross-ventilation panels) is as important as the misting itself. A digital hygrometer is essential.

What do Tree Frogs eat?

Tree Frogs are insectivores requiring live micro-feeders — primarily fruit flies and springtails. Both species: primarily crickets and dubia roaches sized appropriately (≤ width between eyes). Variety: hornworms, silkworms, earthworms, occasional waxworms (treat only). Juveniles daily; adults every 2–3 days. Dust every feeding with calcium+D3; multivitamin 1–2×/month. Gut-load feeders. WHITE'S OBESITY WARNING: prone to over-eating — adults should be fed conservatively; a clearly visible fat fold (parotoid pad overhang) signals excessive feeding.

1. Flightless fruit flies — D. melanogaster for froglets; D. hydei for larger adults.
2. Springtails — in a bioactive vivarium; supplement feeders and aid cleanup.
3. Isopods — vivarium cleanup crew; also consumed opportunistically.
4. Prey size — must not exceed 3 mm (0.12 in); frogs can choke on oversized feeders.
5. Dust every feeding — calcium+D3; multivitamin 1–2×/month.
6. Gut-load feeders — 24–48 hr before offering for maximum nutrition.

Can you house Tree Frogs together?

White's: can be group-housed with same-species of similar size (popular as communal frogs); monitor for competition and size disparities. Red-eyed: can group-house same-species; avoid mixing males and females unless breeding is intended; never mix species. Amphibians have delicate, permeable skin that absorbs everything they contact — including oils, residues, and pathogens from human hands. Handle minimally. When handling is necessary (health checks, enclosure maintenance), use clean, wet, powder-free gloves or rinse hands thoroughly with dechlorinated water. Never handle after using lotions, soaps, or hand sanitizer.

Are Tree Frogs good for beginners?

Tree Frogs are an advanced species for experienced keepers. Research thoroughly, set up the vivarium completely before the animal arrives, and source only captive-bred specimens from a reputable breeder. Animals cost White's: 25–60 (standard green); 40–100 (blue, snowflake morphs). Red-eyed: 30–70 (common captive-bred); 50–100 (locale or captive-selectively-bred animals)..