{"id":4508,"date":"2014-10-08T06:01:11","date_gmt":"2014-10-08T06:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lafeber.com\/staging\/vet\/?p=4508"},"modified":"2016-04-08T21:08:42","modified_gmt":"2016-04-08T21:08:42","slug":"basic-information-for-whites-tree-frog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/basic-information-for-whites-tree-frog\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Information Sheet: White\u2019s Tree Frog"},"content":{"rendered":"

White\u2019s Tree Frog (Pelodryas caerulea<\/em>)<\/h1>\n
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Photo credit: Dara_Kero via Flickr Creative Commons<\/small><\/p><\/div>\n

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Natural history<\/h2>\n

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\nThe White’s tree frog is indigenous to Australia and Indonesia. Also known as the dumpy tree frog or the Australian giant green tree frog. This species is captive bred in large numbers. Wild-caught frogs from Indonesia are also still in the pet trade.
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Taxonomy<\/h2>\n

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\nClass<\/strong>: Amphibia<\/em>
\nOrder<\/strong>: Anura<\/em>
\nFamily<\/strong>: Hylidae<\/em> (tree frogs)
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Color and Size<\/h2>\n

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\nThis medium to large tree frog reaches 2-4.5 in (5-11 cm) in length. Most adults weigh 50-90 grams. Males are smaller than females. The dorsum is jade green to olive brown and the lips are greenish.<\/div>
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Diet<\/h2>\n

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\nFeed a variety of gut-loaded appropriately-sized invertebrates, primarily insects. Dust food items with a vitamin\/mineral supplement twice weekly for juveniles and once weekly for adults. Feed juveniles daily and adults two to three times weekly.
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Husbandry<\/h2>\n

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Temperature<\/td>\nMaintain a temperature gradient of 70-90\u00b0F (24-32\u00b0C) with a basking spot that reaches 95\u00b0F (35\u00b0C). Cage temperature may drop to 65-70\u00b0F (18-21\u00b0C) at night.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Humidity\/water<\/td>\nMaintain humidity at 60-70%. Mist the enclosure daily and provide a sizable, but shallow, water dish. Between mistings the substrate should remain damp, but not water logged.
\nPotential water sources include:<\/p>\n
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  • Aged water:\u00a0 Allow chlorinated water to sit in an open container for 24-48 hours so chlorine can dissipate<\/li>\n
  • Bottled spring water<\/li>\n
  • Filtered tap water:\u00a0 run through a sediment and activated charcoal filter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cage size and design<\/td>\nThis quiet frog does not require much space. One to four frogs can thrive in a 20-gallon (75-L) terrarium. A woodland terrarium is ideal, but White\u2019s tree frogs also do well with a simple set up.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cage furniture\/supplies<\/td>\nDry paper towels can suffice as a cage substrate for a patient but care must be taken to maintain adequate humidity. Provide a large tree limb at least the diameter of the body or a clay pot to serve as a perching spot. Provide low-intensity full-spectrum lighting for optimal absorption of dietary calcium. Provide plants for visual security.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social structure<\/td>\nCommunal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Lifespan<\/h2>\n

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\n20+ years
\nWhite’s tree frogs often reach sexual maturity during their second year of life.
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Anatomy\/ physiology<\/h2>\n

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Dermatologic:<\/td>\nFrog skin is a dynamic organ involved in water and electrolyte balance, chemical synthesis and secretion, and immunity. Poor husbandry may result in skin disease that can quickly kill the patient.
\nFrogs periodically shed and eat their skin. The skin will appear cloudy beforehand.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gastrointestinal:<\/td>\nA short, simple gastrointestinal tract empties into a cloaca<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cardiac:<\/td>\nA three-chambered heart is encased within the pectoral girdle.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lymphatics:<\/td>\nAll amphibians possess lymph hearts, which beat in synchrony independently of the heart.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Urogenital:<\/td>\nA renal portal system is present<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Miscellaneous:<\/td>\nFrogs possess coelomic and inguinal fat bodies.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sexual dimorphism:<\/td>\nAdult males are about 30-50% smaller than adult females. Males also call during the breeding season and they also develop small brown nuptial pads on each thumb.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Restraint<\/h2>\n

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Amphibian skin is very sensitive so handle frogs as little as possible. To manually restrain the frog, wear moistened surgical gloves.
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Venipuncture<\/h2>\n

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\nVentral abdominal vein
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Preventive medicine<\/h2>\n

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\nPerform a visual exam<\/a> by placing the frog in a clear plastic box or tub.
\nPhysical examination<\/a> prn (as needed).
\nFecal parasite testing
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Important medical conditions<\/h2>\n

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