Overfeeding??

martini · #1 01-24-2011, 02:24 PM

I have recently purchased some green sip tincs and i just have a quick question about feeding them. I have had them for a few months now and they have always had a good appetite. I am just wondering if I am overfeeding them. I have read that they are opportunistic when it comes to feeding, but what is an average number of fruit flies that should be fed per frog. I have been told that about ten flies per frog and then if they still act hungry add more. My little guys will practically eat until you stop feeding them. When I first got them I would feed them about 15 flies per frog and then add a shake or two extra. I have since cut back because I do not want to get obese frogs and heard that this can be an issue. On the one hand I want my frogs to eat all they can so they will have no growth issues, but on the other I do not want to have unhealthy frogs. I would say I still feed between 12-15 flies per frog and they are always eaten with much gusto. After they finish they all line up at the front of the tank like they are begging for more. I do supplement with springtails on Sunday morning as a extra meal for that day and seed with springtails on Sunday night after lights out. So my question is am I overfeeding them? They all look healthy and not bloated by any means but I am just concerned and want some advice. Thanks

Tindomul1of9 · #2 01-24-2011, 04:36 PM

15 per frog? How do you assure that they all eat 15? Even so, I think that sounds kinda low.
If I wanted to give each 15 I would have to throw in at least 30 per frog, not all ff's find their way to the belly of the beast and some frogs are better at hunting then others.
I'm not that experienced with darts (owned two pumilio a few years ago) and so want to hear someone else chime in.

martini · #3 01-26-2011, 02:50 PM

I do monitor them quite often especially during feeding time to make sure they are eating well. I know that most of those flies are consumed and that on average they are equally distributed between the three. I do have a good culture of springtails in the tank and do notice the frogs eating throughout the day so they are eating other than when I feed. I know that they are not going hungry, but i just want to have healthy frogs and want to make sure I am not overfeeding. 15 is just an estimate of how many I see them eat. I know that not all flies will be eaten and make adjustments for that fact. I dont just count out 15 per frog, but I do keep a loose tally on the ones consumed and it averages out to about 15 per. I put at least 75 flies each time to make sure they are getting enough though.

boabab95 · #4 01-26-2011, 04:56 PM

30 per frog is WAAAAYYYYY too much... that would be over feeding, not too mention how much the flies will bother the frogs if they aren't all eaten. I feed about 10 flies per frog... They won't always eat everything. they eat when They want to. 12-15 flies per frog is completely fine. How old are they? tank size?

frogfreak · #5 01-26-2011, 05:26 PM

Keep in mind that these are Tincs and they're eating machines. Growing Tincs will eat more too. I've watched a 2 month old froglet eat 10 flies np. Also, if they are breeding the female will consume more food.

Body weight and left over flies are the best way to get a handle on whether you are overfeeding or not.

Fat frog - cut back

Thin frog - add more (not a lot more, a thinner frog is healthier than a fat frog).

Left over flies - way to much.

It took us a while to get it down. We've had Tincs for close to two years.

momerath · #6 01-26-2011, 09:28 PM

I've worked with darts for over 5 years, and have yet to see a fat one! Sometimes the females will look a little chunky, but they just get fat with eggs!

frogfreak · #7 01-26-2011, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momerath

I've worked with darts for over 5 years, and have yet to see a fat one! Sometimes the females will look a little chunky, but they just get fat with eggs!

That tells me, because of your experience, that you've nailed how much food they need.

I've seen some real fatties in pics.

martini · #8 01-27-2011, 09:57 AM

I really appreciate all the feedback. My three frogs vary in age, two are about 4 months and one is about 5 months. I have a 30 gal hex tank. I have been wanting to post some of my pics up but my camera decided to stop working on me and caused a big delay.