California Zoological Supply

CALZOO'S REFERENCE SHEET > Leopard Frogs

Latin name	Rana pipiens	Maximum length	3 inches
Native to	United States	Approximate life span	5 - 8 years

GENERAL INFORMATION
Leopard frogs are usually depicted in TV and movies as the typical frog. They are very alert and active with great appetites. It is not recommended to keep small lizards such as Anoles or House Geckos with Leopard Frogs because of their tendency to eat anything that will fit into their mouths.

ENCLOSURE
Up to 3 Leopard Frogs can be housed in a 15 gallon aquarium with a well ventilated screen top. Leopard Frogs are ground dwelling amphibians but occasionally like to climb on small branches and logs. When looking for an enclosure, floor space is more important than height.

SUBSTRATE
The substrate should consist of loose, semi-moist peat moss or humus mixed with potting soil about 2 - 3 inches deep. The substrate should also consist of a damp top layer of dead leaves, Zoo Med REPTI BARK™ and sphagnum moss. This additional layer will help provide cover, and help maintain a steady humidity level. Make sure all substrates are pesticide and Styrolite™ free. Change the substrate about every 8 - 12 weeks, more often if appears dirty. Provide lots of hiding places in the form of cork bark, and silk or live plants.

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Leopard frogs should be kept at 70 - 80°f , with a nighttime drop to 70 - 75°f. The terrarium should be misted each evening with fresh, cool (75°f) de-chlorinated water to keep the moss damp but not soggy. Keep a high humidity level of 70 - 75%. Do not allow it to get so humid that water droplets form on the glass. If the humidity level is kept too high it will be detrimental to the well being of your pets.

HEATING
Unless you live in a particularly cold area, no heat source will be needed. Always use a thermometer and humidity gauge in all reptile & amphibian enclosures. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red light spectrum, so a low wattage red bulb is ideal for nighttime viewing.

LIGHTING
UVB lighting is not a necessity for Leopard frogs, but it will not harm them. The UVA present in the bulbs will greatly help their mental well-being and will bring out their colors. The Zoo Med REPTISUN™ is an excellent choice. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period. A plug in timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for your heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period (light cycle) of 8 - 10 hours of light, 14 - 16 hours of dark. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red light spectrum, so a low wattage red bulb is ideal for nighttime viewing of your Leopard Frogs.

FOOD & WATER
Leopard Frogs should be fed every other day. They will eat large crickets, meal worms, meal worm beetles, earthworms, small pinkie mice and fly larvae. They can eat from 3 - 4 crickets in one feeding. Do not over-feed, or feed a food item too large. Always feed your crickets assorted fruits and vegetables or a commercially prepared cricket diet 12 - 24 hours before feeding the crickets to your pets. Once a week dust the crickets with Zoo Med REPTIVITE® vitamins just before feeding them to your Leopard Frogs. Provide a large 1 - 2 inch deep plastic water dish sunk into the substrate that your frogs can get in and out of easily. The water depth should be ½ the height of the frog. All amphibians absorb water through their skin, so the water should always be clean. Change water at least every other day with fresh de-chlorinated or spring water with a temperature of about 75°f. Change more often if the water appears dirty.

NOTES
The Leopard Frog's secretion should not be allowed to come in contact with any open wounds, your eyes, mouth or mucous membranes. Always wash your hands before and immediately after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support products you may purchase.

For further information on reptiles and amphibians we recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet on Leopard Frogs. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.

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