The Ornate Horned Frog is a large frog.They're called horns because they have small points over their eyes that look like horns.They are referred to as Pac-Man Frogs because when they lunge at their prey they appear to be all mouth.
Step 1: Buy from a good store.
Before you buy a frog, you should visit a couple of different pet stores.Some stores have better standards of care than others.It will be easier to care for the healthiest specimen you can find, and it is likely to live longer.If the frog's tank is clean, you can buy it.Poor sanitary conditions can lead to diseases.
Step 2: Clear skin is important.
A clouded skin is a sign of illness.A cloudy looking skin is a sign that the frog has recently shed its skin.Start with a clear-skinned frog.There are patches of red and black on the Ornate Horned Frogs.Cranwell's Horned Frogs can be brown, beige, orange, yellow, and even Albino.
Step 3: Pick a specimen that is lively and animated.
You can pass your hand on top of the tank if you approach the frog.A healthy frog will make a mooing sound when it moves the sac under its mouth.The frog is not healthy if you don't get a reaction.Frogs with clear, bright eyes are good to look for.
Step 4: When handling a frog, wear gloves.
The skin of a frog acts as a secondary breathing organ.The oils on human skin can be harmful to a frog.The pet frog doesn't want human love or affection.Frogs will sometimes make loud distress calls to let you know they're upset.The Ornate Frogs will bite your finger if you try to eat something near their mouth.
Step 5: Don't buy captive bred (CB) Frogs if you want to.
Frogs caught in the wild are not suited to captivity.It is cruel to keep them.If you catch a wild caught frog, it can carry parasites or diseases.You won't have a lot of time to enjoy a wild caught frog.
Step 6: Only one frog is in the tank.
Frogs are cannibals and often eat smaller ones.It is dangerous to put more than one Frog in the same tank.One is more likely to eat the other if they are different sizes.Each species of frog has its own care needs, so never mix them in one tank.
Step 7: There is a 10-gallon glass aquarium.
The Ornate Horned Frogs are native to tropical and mountain rain forests, so they need an aquatic/terrestrial habitat.You can watch your frog through the glass in a glass aquarium.You don't need a screened lid on top because these are not jumpers.A lid keeps the tank warm.
Step 8: Provide a place for your frog to burrow.
Your frog feeds by ambushing its food, meaning it will hide until prey arrives, then jump out and attack.It is important that the substrate is moist at all times.Coconut husk fiber is a good material for bed-a-beast, Eco-earth, Forest Bed, or similar products.The soil stays moist and allows your frog to dig.It looks natural as well.It's important to purchase safe soil that doesn't contain harmful chemicals.Cypress mulch, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter are not recommended because your frog can choke on a piece of bark or moss.If you use these items, you'll need to feed them.Sand, gravel, or fir bark should not be used as a substrate.
Step 9: A water bowl is needed.
The tank should be filled with water at all times if you add a large bowl to it.Don't use tap water because it will harm your frog.Excellent water dishes can be made from Glazed ceramic trays.Don't forget to replace the water at least daily because most frog defecate in their water dish.Your young frog can climb in and out of the rocks if you place them next to the bowl and in the water.
Step 10: For decoration, add foliage.
Frogs don't need foliage to hide because they burrow on the bottom of the tank.If you want to make the tank look nice, you can add artificial or real plants.Plants can be difficult to grow indoors, and will need to be washed and disinfected before you add them to the terrarium.You can purchase artificial plants online or at a pet store.Air plants do not require soil or water, apart from an occasional mist.They will dry out if they are exposed to harsh sunlight and heat lamps.
Step 11: A heat source can be added.
The heat lamp should be positioned above the highest point in your frog's habitat.There is a screen lid between the frog and the heating bulb.Don't use heated rocks in your Ornate Frog tank.
Step 12: The tank temperature is moderate.
Frogs can thrive in a large range of temperatures and do not require humidity adjustments.During the day, their tank should be between 84 and 84 degrees, and a few degrees cooler at night.Store-bought temperature strips can be hung on the side of the tank to measure environmental conditions.
Step 13: Feed your frog insects and worms.
Small earthworms, crickets and wax worms will be enjoyed by juvenile horned Frogs.If you are squeamish, this may not be the pet for you.Feed juvenile food items at least 2 times a week.
Step 14: Feed the adult frog larger prey items.
Adult horned Frogs are capable of handling larger foods such as night crawlers, roaches, superworms and silkworms.If you provide large quantities of food items, adults can be fed once per week or every two weeks.Adult Horned Frogs can go as long as four months without food.Pre-killed mice can occasionally be fed to your frog, but they should not be a regular part of his diet.Do not feed your animals live.
Step 15: They should add to their diet.
Adding calcium and D3 supplement powder to their food is a good way to get them to eat a well-rounded diet.Online or at your local pet store, you can purchase amphibian vitamins.The juvenile horned Frogs should be getting supplement powder at least a few times a week.The adult frog should eat at least once per week.
Step 16: Look at your fingers.
The Ornate Frogs are not picky eaters and will bite anything you put near their mouth.Although they don't have teeth to speak of, they have strong jaws and their bite can be very painful.Resist the urge to jerk away if your frog bites you.You could hurt your frog by throwing him across the room.If your frog doesn't let go within a few seconds, try running cold water over him.Apply a bandage on your finger.
Step 17: The tank needs to be kept clean.
Place your frog in a small holding tank once a month.All surfaces need to be washed with hot water.The items should be washed with hot water and cooled before being put back in the tank.Gloves are used when moving a frog.The oils in your skin are harmful to the frog.Don't use chemicals to clean.Don't use chemicals to clean the frog's enclosure.Chemicals can burn or kill a frog.