You do need to think carefully before buying a pet frog as most will live for 10-15 years, while some, like the African bullfrog, can live up to 35 years. Make sure you choose a species you can care for, for their entire life span. 

This varies dependent on the frog species. Many frogs eat live insects. Crickets, locusts, mealworms and waxworms can all be fed and will need gut-loading and alternately dusting with vitamin D3 and calcium supplements. Larger frogs, such as horned frogs and bullfrogs can also be fed thawed frozen pinkies or mice. Make sure you research the species of frog you wish to keep thoroughly so you can ensure they are fed an appropriate diet for their species.  

Young frogs will need daily feeding, while older frogs can be fed once or twice a week. Frogs should be fed a suitable amount of food, then any uneaten food removed. Some insects, crickets especially, will bite the frog, so should not be left in the vivarium.  

If you are not comfortable feeding live food or rodents that are bred to be food, then maybe a frog is not for you. 

Pet frogs should not be fed any human/household food – they do not eat fruit or veg and should not be fed table scraps, meat or wild caught insects. Purpose reared insects or rodents should be used as these are disease-free and contain no pesticide residues. 

Different frog species live in different habitats, from trees to desert, semi-aquatic and aquatic. It is important to research the species of frog you wish to keep thoroughly to ensure you can provide an appropriate environment for them to live in. 

Generally, pet frogs can be kept in the house in vivariums to provide the right temperature, light and humidity they need.  

Here are some items to consider to make sure your frog(s) have the most appropriate housing for their species: 

• Companionship - Some frogs are best kept on their own, like horned frogs, while others live in groups, like tree frogs. Research your chosen species to identify which is best for them. 
• The size and shape of the vivarium - Arboreal frog species, such as tree frogs, require a smaller floored enclosure with height so they can climb. Terrestrial frog species such as horned frogs need a larger floor with less height as they are ground dwellers.  
• Vivarium substrate - This also varies with species – ground dwelling frogs such as horned frogs like to burrow, so need a deep substrate usually coco fibre, soil or moss based. Tree dwelling frogs usually need a shallow layer of substrate to hold moisture and help with humidity, such as coco fibre.  
• Water source - Many frogs need just a shallow bowl of water, but some will need a deeper, larger water source they can swim in.   
• It is possible to create fantastic vivariums with part-land and part-water areas for frogs and other amphibians. These are called paludariums and can be incredibly beautiful with live plants used. 
• Humidity levels - All frogs need humidity as their skin must remain moist. A hygrometer will let you check the humidity in the vivarium. Check the correct humidity level required for your chosen frog species. 
• Heat source - Some frogs need supplementary heat sources, either in the form of a heat mat or stuck to the side wall, or as a heat lamp, ceramic lamp or deep heat projector, so thermometers are necessary. The frog should never be able to touch a heat source – a protective guard is required for climbing frogs. 
• Vivarium size - Researching the requirements for the species of frog that you are considering buying allows you to set up the correct habitat. Check how big your frog will grow before buying the vivarium, as some, like the horned frog and the bullfrogs, can outgrow a small vivarium quickly. 

Preparing the vivarium a few days before bringing your frog home will help you to make sure that temperature and humidity are correct. 

Bio-active systems can be used for frogs, with live plants, suitable substrate layers and isopods and springtails. These may be expensive to set-up and more intensive to maintain, but give a natural and effective environment for frogs. 

Visible waste should be removed daily, and water bowls changed daily and refilled with de-chlorinated water. Aquatic frogs needing larger volumes of water need a filtration system or frequent water changes with de-chlorinated water.. 

A good cleaning routine will ensure that waste levels in the vivarium and water do not build up. If you have a bio-active set-up, then less cleaning is needed. A properly maintained vivarium will not smell. 

Getting the set-up right for any frog's needs will take time and money. Once the vivarium set-up is correct, the maintenance is much like other amphibians and reptiles. Different species of frogs need different things, so research carefully and find a frog that you have the time and money to care for correctly. 

You should buy your frog from a reputable store or breeder with knowledgeable staff that can advise you on the care and equipment needed for your new pet. A reliable source of good quality live food is also needed.  

Some of our stores offer a limited selection of frogs, so ask in store to check what we have available. Even if we may not be able to supply the frog you want, we have a full range of housing and necessary equipment, as well as a good range of live food, available instore or online. 

Frogs should only be handled if necessary, as they have very delicate skin that must remain moist. There is also a risk of Salmonella infection from handling any reptile or amphibian. If handling your frog, wear powder-free latex gloves and wet them in dechlorinated water before picking up your frog.  

Some frogs, (African bullfrogs especially – or battle frogs as they are nicknamed) do not have the temperament for being handled, and a few larger species of frog may bite in self-defence. If you do need to catch an uncooperative frog, using a smooth plastic or wooden spoon to guide the frog into a smaller container usually does the trick. 

Lidded containers should be used for moving frogs, as they may injure themselves if they jump out of your hands and fall.  

Many frogs have a row of tiny teeth in the upper jaw designed to grip the prey that they catch. If you do get bitten by a larger frog with a powerful bite, they may draw blood and give a bit of a pinch and there is a risk of infection, as there would be with any animal bite. 

Pet frogs should be only looked after by children under adult supervision, as with any pet.