Keep reading to learn more about chubby frogs in captivity and what you should expect from one as a pet.
What Are Chubby Frogs?
Chubby frogs have many names, including the banded bullfrog, the Asian painted frog, and even the bubble frog. They are quite small, measuring at only around 2 to 3 inches long. As members of the Microhylidae family, they have petite, short snouts and narrow mouths compared to most other frogs. Their “banded” name comes from the light yellowish tan stripes, or bands, running across their mostly brown and white bodies. Native to parts of southeast Asia, including parts of China, India, and Malaysia, chubby frogs are mostly terrestrial. They are able to camouflage themselves well amongst the dense leaf litter and soil in the warm, humid forests they inhabit. In the past, they’ve been invasive to a number of regions, including Florida and New Zealand. Thankfully, their populations are now under control and being carefully observed in these non-native regions. The chubby frog’s small, round body and stubby legs mean it actually isn’t a very strong jumper. However, they are quite skilled at burrowing, often hunting small insects like ants, beetles, and termites in the process of camouflaging themselves from predators. Like most frogs, the chubby frog’s defenses are minimal, making them quite vulnerable to predators like snakes and birds. However, they are able to secrete a slightly toxic, slimy substance from their skin to deter predators. Additionally, they can greatly inflate their bodies to make themselves look larger as a last resort. Overall, chubby frogs are very docile and non-aggressive in captivity towards humans. They have become very popular pets thanks to their small size, cute appearance, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements.
Do Chubby Frogs Make Good Pets?
Chubby frogs make great pets for novice and expert herpetology hobbyists alike! They are very small, docile, low-maintenance, and can comfortably live in 15-to-20-gallon enclosures. Additionally, they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though they require high-humidity conditions. The chubby frog has become increasingly popular in the pet trade in recent years, and for many great reasons! These adorable little frogs are fairly easy and inexpensive to care for once their enclosures are established. Even the initial investment of setting up their habitat in captivity is hassle-free, as they can be easily kept in a 15-gallon enclosure with substrate, a water dish, a few hides, and very little else. What’s more, chubby frogs’ diets are also inexpensive and simple to maintain. True to their name, chubby frogs are voracious, carnivorous eaters. Fortunately, they can eat a wide range of cheap feeder insects readily available at most pet shops. They aren’t picky, either! Worms, crickets, roaches, and more are all on this frog’s menu. Though they aren’t the best pets for handling, chubby frogs can be a delight to observe in captivity. In short, they are inexpensive, docile, and adorable companions, able to live for over 10 years with consistently high-quality care.
What Do Chubby Frogs Need in Captivity?
As pets, chubby frogs must be kept in an enclosure that is at least 15 gallons in size. They are mostly terrestrial and enjoy burrowing, so they need lots of moisture-retaining substrate for digging. Here are the basics you’ll need to house and care for your own pet chubby frog:
A sturdy 15+ gallon enclosure (ideally glass to promote high humidity)Substrate that retains moisture well (sphagnum moss, orchid bark, and coconut fiber are best)2+ hides for privacyPlants (artificial or real) and other decor for privacyA large, sturdy, non-porous water dish to drink from and soak inA low-wattage, plain white heat lamp for warmth and maintaining a day/night cycleA dual thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidityA spray bottle or misting system to keep the enclosure and substrate moist
As we briefly touched on earlier, chubby frogs are great pets for beginner and expert pet owners alike. Their low-maintenance, diminutive nature makes them inexpensive to care for and their needs easy to meet, even on a fairly tight budget. In general, chubby frogs are mild-mannered and somewhat shy animals, preferring to burrow into their substrate and hide amongst rocks, leaves, and plant growth. To make your frog feel comfortable and safe, you should ensure their enclosure is moist, warm, and full of clutter. Hides, plants, driftwood, rocks, and other natural structures are ideal to provide privacy to your chubby frog. Keep in mind that real plants tend to get uprooted and destroyed by the frogs’ constant burrowing. In most cases, artificial plants are easier and cheaper to maintain.
Setting Up Your Chubby Frog’s Enclosure
Once you have an enclosure ready and the supplies listed above, you’re ready to set up your chubby frog’s new home. If possible, set up the enclosure a few days before purchasing and bringing your frog home. This will allow you to do a “test run” and adjust lighting, substrate, water, hides, etc. to achieve the ideal conditions. In terms of temperature and humidity, your chubby frog’s enclosure should stay at around 70F to 80F with a humidity level of 60% to 80%. At night, it is safe for temperatures to drop to around 67F. Install a dual thermometer and hygrometer to monitor these conditions. A simple, white, low-wattage (50 to 60 watts) heat bulb will help maintain heat and a day/night cycle (12 hours on, 12 hours off). Turn the light off at night and use a ceramic heating element if temperatures drop too low. Notably, there is some debate over whether or not chubby frogs benefit from UVB exposure, though UVB does promote plant growth (if you’re using real plants). If you choose to use a UVB bulb, a 5% output is ideal. The floor of the enclosure should have a few inches of loose substrate for burrowing. Something like sphagnum moss or coconut fiber is ideal, as these retain moisture well and promote high humidity. Mist the substrate with water daily. At least two cozy hides and some clutter in the form of plants and other natural-looking decor for privacy will make your chubby frog feel comfortable and safe. A large, clean, non-porous water dish should be full of fresh water at all times. Chubby frogs enjoy soaking themselves in water from time to time. Clean the dish thoroughly on a daily basis.
What Do Chubby Frogs Eat?
Chubby frogs are carnivores and primarily feed on small insects both in the wild and in captivity. Pet chubby frogs should eat a mixture of small, captive-bred feeder insects, such as:
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As far as a feeding schedule goes, you should offer three to five feeder insects to your chubby frog every two to three days. Juvenile frogs should eat two to three feeder insects daily to support their growing bodies and rapid metabolisms. Chubby frogs, like most pet amphibians and reptiles, benefit from a calcium supplement. Most calcium supplements are designed in a powdered formulation to be sprinkled directly onto food. Prior to feeding your frog, sprinkle a small amount of calcium powder onto the insects. This calcium supplement will support their bone and muscle health.
