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(including any information on the Tree Frog - Gray) Introduction - Part 1 of 7
This care sheet concerns the general care of frogs and toads, types of amphibians. Amphibians differ from other animals because their life cycle requires both water and land. Usually young animals have gills and gradually develop lungs as they grow. Frogs and toads fall into the order Anura. In general, frogs live in more moist habitats than toads. Most toads have dry skin, while frogs tend to have wet or smooth skin. Toads usually have glands behind their eyes that can secrete toxins. While most frogs have long back legs, most toads have shorter hind legs. The last major difference between frogs and toads is that most frogs lay eggs in clusters, while toads may lay eggs in chains, and some even bear live young. Frogs and toads may sometimes share such traits, and it may be difficult to determine what sort of animal you have if you do not know its scientific name.
Although frogs and toads are frequently kept as pets and have similar care requirements, individual species may differ in their specific needs. In addition to this document, you should consult your pet's specific animal care information on the CentralPets.com website.
Before obtaining your frog or toad, take the time to do some research in order to find out which species is right for you. You may want to consult with people who have owned that type of frog or toad before, in order to decide if you would like to own this animal. Such activities may also help you to determine whether or not to obtain a captive-bred or wild-caught animal, as the two types may differ in ease of care, health, and docility. Some types of frogs and toads are essentially only wild caught animals; others may be essentially only captive bred, although most are available as either type.
When acquiring a frog or toad, you should also find a veterinarian experienced in and knowledgeable about amphibians. It is good practice to have a veterinarian check over the amphibian to ensure it is free of diseases and parasites before exposing it to other amphibians you may have.
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Please Note: This care sheet is copyright © The Central Pets Educational Foundation (CentralPets.com). It may be freely distributed provided that this notice and Copyright remains included and unchanged. We encourage veterinarians, clubs, pet stores, breeders, humane societies, and others to use this to educate people and promote better pet care. Additions, suggestions, corrections, and questions regarding this care sheet are welcome and should be directed to content@CentralPets.com