Okay, I've got new frogs, how much should they eat?

[marilu]

I have 3 new auratus in my 40g breeder and am not sure how much/often to feed them. Do they ever get full? Or will they snarf up any moving bug, just because it's there? These three remind me of my dog...always hungry, always looking for food. I'm feeding them melanogaster but have no idea how to tell what's enough. I've searched all over the place and seem to be coming up with different answers.

I guess my biggest question is can they be OVERfed?

Thanks guys, for your help. I'm in love with these frogs...they are soooo beautiful!

[Austin]

Just dump like 15-25 per frog in each day/every other day. If you notice there not eating all of them feed less next time.

[marilu]

Thanks, Austin! I'm pretty new at this, so any help is greatly appreciated!

I'm still wondering, is it possible to overfeed them? Are they like my Boston Terrier who would snarf down a feeding for a Great Dane if I let him?

[beckdg]

they typically will not overeat as far as i know... put as many as they will eat and get a good idea of what that will be... anything uneaten should not stay too long as crickets bite back and feeders can cause issues if left to die and rot of course... once you have a good idea of what they eat you can get pretty much lazy and just about toss in a regular amount most times, every so often offering a larger meal to see what they'll eat if they're still growing to decide when to increase feeding... just remember if they eat 8 extra collectively on "treat day" they may only need 1 or 2 more on regular feedings to suffice

also austin gave good advice... i just wanted to elaborate a little

[marilu]

Thanks, Beck! Nice to hear from you again!

I'm always glad for your help, and between you and Austin, I think I have my question answered. I'm feeding them fruit flies, though, not crickets. Crickets creep me out, and if these little guys will do okay with fruit flies, then I'm a happy camper! At first I was intimidated by culturing fruit flies, but I've found out that it's not so hard after all!

I got these frogs because I think they're beautiful, and also because I thought my grandkids would like them, and they do! Such fun and so educational!

[beckdg]

yeah, i think herps are great in general... and very educational... kinda gives us a peek into the whole instinctual side of everything and the simplicities and complexities of life and nature... a good planted fish tank or reef tank really further enforces the stresses of slight environmental changes as well... animals are very educational indeed, and it's the kind of education that includes the love, passion and compassion that should encompass everyday life as it used to be yet sadly enough may never be again... regardless pets may just be the driving force that leads enough people to understand and care enough to change the direction the world is going today that was pretty much established in the 50's with industrialism... but for now you still hear the greedy politicians and ceo's chanting "drill baby drill" so more need to be aware.

i am glad you are enjoying your little ones with your little ones and passing on a passion that can open hearts and eyes alike... you are welcomed marilu.

[marilu]

I so agree with you, beck! Maybe we'll get the idea before it's too late. I certainly hope so!


Re: my frogs...I think I have some young, hungry frogs with very healthy appetites! It's so heartening to see how eagerly the snarf up those FF!

Thanks for your continual help, beck!

[Austin]

I don't even culture my fruit flies. By that I mean I just keep the 2 cultures that I already have. I don't keep adding more. And when they run out which takes a 2 months or so I just go back to LLLReptile (15 minute drive) and buy another 2.

[marilu]

Austin, I wish I had someone that close to buy fruit flies from! I got my starter cultures from Patrick Nabors in St. Louis. (Poison Dart Frogs Poison Arrow Frogs Dart Frogs & Poison Arrow Dart Frogs Terrarium Animals from Saurian Enterprises, Inc.) He is an expert who is highly responsible and has great products to offer. His frogs are also healthy and beautiful.

I've got a routine going for making my own cultures now and it's not really so bad. What kind of frogs do you have?

[Austin]

I have a single D. Leuc. Also a pacman frog, but I assume you were talking about poison dart frogs.

I'm going to be buying 2 more soon, and try to breed them. Because LLLReptile is now selling them at $20 a piece