safe leaf litter??

lando · #1 08-26-2010, 03:58 PM

I was wondering if rhododendron or mountain laurel leaves were safe as leaf litter. I've scoured the other threads and the only mention of it I found was in in grimm's sticky post about substrate. These plants are poisonous and I'm leary of using them in my grey tree frog viv without consulting the experts first.

boabab95 · #2 08-26-2010, 09:07 PM

I would say if it's poisonous, Don't use it. Other than that, I believe virtually all leaves are safe, its just the rate of decay that keeps people towards certain leaves.

Berzerker · #3 08-28-2010, 07:01 PM

What are these "certain leaves" you speak of?

lando · #4 08-28-2010, 07:29 PM

I guess boabab is refering to the typical magnolia leaves. I was curious about the rhododendron because its quite abundant near me. Its also my state flower. The deer eat it like crazy in the winter which made me wonder how the poison effects frogs. The leaf is similar to magnolia. I would think it would take a while to decay. Not sure. Still searching for info.

JimO · #5 08-28-2010, 09:15 PM

I offer magnolia and live oak leaves for sale in bulk quantities. People like them because they are attractive and very durable under wet conditions. I've used them as well as other types of leaves. I doubt the mountain laurel or rhododendron leavess would cause problems, especially with treefrogs.

lando · #6 08-28-2010, 09:26 PM

I didn't think they would. Every reference to being poisonous says not to consume the leaves...as in humans. Also cats and dogs. They look a lot like magnolia leaves. Tough, evergreen type leaves. I'm doing a native viv and I just thought they would be a unique touch.

JimO · #7 08-30-2010, 01:05 PM

Aside from seriously toxic plants (night shade) or plants with irritants (poison ivy or stinging nettles), I'm pretty sure that durability and aesthetics are the main criteria for good leaf litter. I've been experimenting with several Bay trees native to our area that have very attractive leaves and are good in wetter conditions. They seem to be working out fine.

If you're doing a native set up, then the native leaves would be ideal.

What kind of frogs are you keeping?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lando

I didn't think they would. Every reference to being poisonous says not to consume the leaves...as in humans. Also cats and dogs. They look a lot like magnolia leaves. Tough, evergreen type leaves. I'm doing a native viv and I just thought they would be a unique touch.

lando · #8 08-30-2010, 05:46 PM

I have a grey tree froglet. He/she is only about 3/4" long.

JimO · #9 08-30-2010, 10:43 PM

That's probably my favorite native treefrog and I can't find any in my area to save my life. We have plenty of green treefrogs and squirrel treefrogs, but the grays are elusive.

lando · #10 08-31-2010, 06:59 AM

I found mine as a tadpole about 3 months ago in a mud puddle along a backroad. He's in a 10 gallon viv right now. I'm getting ready to start making a 20g tall(?) to keep him in. its not a normal 20g, same footprint as a 10, but twice as tall. I think that should provide him with plenty of room. He (I call him he even though I don't know the sex yet) is quite a character and a blast to watch hunt! I haven't been able to find a lot of info on greys. Pretty basic stuff. At what age do they start calling? I have another froglet that just morphed. Will I be able to keep both of them together in a 20g if they're the same sex? Should I be asking these questions in the tree frog forums?