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benny93
Pondweed
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
 Posted - 02/05/2010 : 22:23:14
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What are some beginner amphibians frogs or toads or newts I can buy in the uk that require easy and not to expensive setups and easy to get food for.
Thanks.
Ben |
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Kehhlyr
The Amphibian Administrator
United Kingdom
264 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 04:00:59
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Have you ever kept any other pets before?
If we could have a bit of background info on yourself, this will help us to recommend what and if any 'phibs to go for.
Time and space constraints could be different for all people as well, so a small amount of info there as well would be handy.
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-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
SOME OF MY ANIMALS
 
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benny93
Pondweed
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 09:25:24
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Ok im 16 I have 2 cats but they dont go near my other animals I have a dog a leopard gecko fish I was just wondering what a good amhibian is to start with I am interested in all animals but dont have one yet ive caught native frogs and toads and newts from the uk and put them back but I want one I can keep. I do have quite a bit of free time i go college but am home most of the week and not in college that long so i have time to feed clean etc.
So I just wanted a not to expensive to keep I dont mind how much I pay for it long as it aint over 100 pounds in the UK but as long as i can get easy access to food from my local pet shop I have a shop near me that sells poison dart frogs and stuff so they must have amphibian food.
And also can you hold amphibians or not because ive heard it damages here skin or can you wear gloves if you need to get them out the tank to clean them etc.
So a nice frog or toad thats not to expensive to keep and dont require a massive setup that I can purchase in the Uk will be nice thank you.
Ben. |
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Ade
Tadpole
United Kingdom
153 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 11:19:02
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Handling amphibians isn't usually a good idea as chemicals oils etc in your skin can harm them. Sometimes it's neccessary though, and then you need to take precautions such as making sure you have thoroughly rinsed your hands, making sure there is no soap residue etc, and then either mist your hands thoroughly with bottled, dechlorinated or RO water, or better still wear powder free vinyl gloves that have been misted in the same way (chlorine is again bad for most amphibians). There are some folks who advocate handling White's tree frogs, but I still don't agree with this, although they are very placid (sometimes. lol) frogs, it's still not ideal for them.
I wouldn't call any amphibian cheap to keep really, the initial investment is never all that small. But then you keep leos, so the odds are you already have some idea as to how much equipment costs. I suppose my setup is more expensive than it needed to be, but it makes it much easier to maintain.
The single most important piece of equipment though is a good book with info on the species you want to keep, I say this for any animal though.
As to the best starter species, I am fairly new to the hobby, and can thoroughly recommend White's tree frogs. With prices of between £12 and £24 a frog, they're not too expensive. Their needs are fairly easy to meet, although you do need to realise if you chose this that 1) they grow comparatively large and 2) the oldest one on record was over 20 years old, and kept well they usually live for at least 10 years so they are a long term pet.
As to feeding, most shops that sell reptiles also sell crickets and hoppers, which is what my frogs mainly eat. You also need a powdered calcium supplement, and if you aren't using UV lighting a vitamin supplement. It's actually much cheaper though to order live food via the internet, and you get more per a tub usually as well. Don't expect to only need a few either, my frogs will happily eat at least 15 medium hoppers in one night and aren't at all fat (3 frogs, so at least 5 hoppers per frog). ;)
Another good beginner species I believe are oriental fire bellied toads. However these do best with a 50:50 water to land setup, so require a little more work. They're a species I intend to try in time. This may sound daft, but I like species that smile, which tree frogs and fire bellied toads do. lol
Whatever species you chose, do make sure you research their care thoroughly before you buy any, and do get a good book. If you fancy tree frogs my fave is the AVS Popular Tree Frogs book, which has a very good section on White's tree frogs, and also covers housing for tree frogs.
Oh there is one thing with White's tree frogs I should mention, when the males get a bit older they start calling. It's not deafeningly loud, but I suppose some folks might find it irritating, so I would suggest keeping them in a separate room (also good, as you can't use aerosols in the same room as amphibians) with a door that can be closed, also handy if you get one jumps out of the terrarium when you are working in there. They're quick critters, and 2 of mine are rather kamikaze... lol
Ade |
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Kehhlyr
The Amphibian Administrator
United Kingdom
264 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 23:40:11
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My old Whites used to croak at the hoover and hairdryer. 
Another alternative could be something like Alpine Newts.
I have a pair of these and as they're coldwater ones then the setups can be cheaper to do as well because they don't need heat.
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-=Kehhlyr - The Resident Loon
SOME OF MY ANIMALS
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Kazerella
The Amphibian Administrator
United Kingdom
969 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2010 : 09:31:33
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Is it defintiely a forg or a toad you want?
The easiest amphibian we've got is the Fire Salmanders. Their set up is cheap because you don't need heat or light and they are ready eaters.
For frogs and toads I would also recommend Whites and Fire-bellied toads. Both are smallish species that won't take up much space, although heating is required for Whites.
Also Pacman frogs are fairly inactive so don't need a massive terrarium. They eat a lot though  |
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Ade
Tadpole
United Kingdom
153 Posts |
Posted - 04/05/2010 : 12:19:41
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Eat a lot? They're stomachs on legs with a mouth on the front. :P lol
Oh and yeah, you do have to give White's heating. Easily done though with a thermostat and 2 heat mats, 1 on the bottom to help keep humidity up and one on the side to help keep things warm. The 1 on the bottom was a tip from these folks. ;) Oh and Hoppety (my largest White's) has a croaking session in the morning to say goodnight and another in the evening to say good morning. lol
Ade |
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Kazerella
The Amphibian Administrator
United Kingdom
969 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2010 : 14:03:15
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I quite like my walking stomach
He's cool |
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beginner amphibians
