wanting to learn about DFs

[sixpack_ey]

I recently got another tank, offered to me for free, which was in the process of being turned into a dart frog tank. It is a 30 gallon cube. I have always had it in the back of my mind to get a dart frog tank and now I am wanting to know more about them. I have ordered some books from amazon that aren't in yet but I would just like to ask the folks who have them how enjoyable they are? I would be getting one of the bolder species, I was thinking tincs or leucs. I was thinking a small group. How much could I expect to see them? What do they spend their time doing? Do they just sit still most of the time or are they always on the move exploring and hunting? I hear that mixing different speicies is usually bad. Can different colors of the same species be mixed? I wouldn't want all the frogs in the tank to look exactle the same (but if thats the way it needs to be then I will). I am pretty confident with buildidn a viv, but any beginner advice on the frogs would be appreciated.

[noahwnw]

Titles and authors please.

[dewit]

I am Still a beginner myself, and I have had my dartfrogs for only a month, but there is no frog that can be compared to a poison dart frog, they are simply amazing. I bought 2 D.Tinctorius 'brazil', Amazing frogs. As for your questions. Always keep the same Species/morphs together, do not put 2 different morphs of darts together (ex .tinctorius cobalt, and tinctorius citronella). I suppose you could put 2 different morphs together aslong as you do not breed them. But us frogers are trying to keep the bloodlines pure, so hybrids are frowned upon.

And yes poison dart frogs will be moving all around the tank all day, they will hunt for food, and explore their tank, and do the whole mating thing. They arent anything like a whites tree frog, who just sits in a corner all day.

Tincs and leucs are both great species to start out with, both very bold. I think Leucs are the next ones im gonna buy.

Before you get anything though, make sure you do many many many hours of research. BTW like i said i am just a beginner myself, so I might not be correct about everything i just said, but i am sure someone else will respond to this thread.

[noahwnw]

Thank you for the info. I did a search on amazon.com and keyword search on PDFs. So I ordered this one.

"Poison Dart Frogs (Complete Herp Care)"
Amanda Sihler; Paperback; $7.88

I am a firm believer in "knowlage is power". So im gonna spend sometime in book stores for a while. Before I make any kinda move.

I've done a bit of reading on here and have become aware of the big NO NO on mixing breeds. That is fully understood.

Thanks again.

[dewit]

sounds like a good idea,,,, and np:P

[frogfreak]

Originally Posted by noahwnw

"Poison Dart Frogs (Complete Herp Care)"
Amanda Sihler; Paperback; $7.88

That book is excellent for beginner froggers. You won't be dissapointed.

We've been keeping PDF's for a couple of years now.

If you want a very bold Tinc I highly recommend D. Tinctorious "Powder Blue" "Citronalla or "Patricia" They are the boldest of all our Tincs. Tincs should be kept in pairs or trios, 2 males to one female. Females are extremely aggresive when they reach sexual maturity. Leucs are more of a communal frog and can be kept in groups. They're very entertaining frogs and have a fairly loud beautiful call. They climb more than Tincs as well. Either way both species are a good choice. We have both.

You will not see them all the time. They are more active in the mornings and evening. That said, they're pigs and feeding time is still comical for us. They will eventually associate you with food. They will eventually develop a begging behaviour as well. The will eventually learn your voice. Yes, talk to your frogs. It works!

I would recommend keeping them in an area that see's a lot of traffic, AFTER they settle in for a few months. The more traffic the more you will see them. If you keep them in an area that doesn't see a lot of traffic, they may bolt when startled. Also, the more cover the better. They will feel way safer with lots of cover. It will give them the option of a quick hide and therefore, they will likely stay in the open more.

Breeding, what can I say, it's probably one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. Caring for eggs, tads and lil baby froglets.

Have fun, you won't be dissapointed.

Glenn