what frogs eat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBreeding Fire-Bellied Toads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Breeding fire-bellied toads can be a rewarding experience. Most keepers breed these frogs for the joy of raising little tadpoles. Whatever your reason for breeding them, I’ll do my best to help you in this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sexing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n First and foremost, you need to have at least one male and one female. The best way to differentiate the two is by size and sound. Females are generally larger in size and the males are more vocal. They can be heard “calling” during mating season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Male fire-bellied toads have nuptial pads which are visible when they’re full grown. Also, they usually have thick forearms in comparison to females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Having several breeding pairs will increase your chances of success. In fact, having two to three males per female will increase those chances even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These frogs mate during the rainy season in the wild. In captivity, they’re less likely to mate because they rarely experience the seasonal changes that happen in the wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To remedy this, you might need to “cycle” the frogs. That means you have to mimic the winter months for a period of time (roughly eight weeks). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During this time, keep the temperature around 60 degrees. This can be accomplished by moving their enclosure to a garage or cooler part of your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After replicating the winter season, now you need to mimic springtime weather. Start by increasing the temperature back to normal. After that, add more water to their habitat and begin feeding them more often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mist their enclosure often and consider placing a dripper system to simulate rainfall. A “rain chamber” can be used if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With any luck, your male frogs will be croaking, and eventually, they will mate. This should happen shortly after increasing the temperature, water, and food. Check on your frogs frequently to see if they’re in the amplexus position (male grasping the female around the waist).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Females can lay eggs as often as every two weeks. Also, they typically lay between 80 and 300 eggs at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tadpoles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Remove the eggs from the parent’s enclosure within two days. Assuming the eggs are fertilized, they will hatch into tiny tadpoles within seven to ten days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this point, it’s like raising any other tadpole. Keep them in water at room temperature between 3 to 4 inches deep. Feed them commercial tadpole food, algae, lettuce, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will take up to five months for them to completely metamorphose into juvenile fire-bellied toads. As they develop legs and their tail disappears, provide a ramp or floating platform for them to climb on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handling Fire-Bellied Toads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n As with all amphibians, it is best to limit the amount of time you spent handling them. Not only is it stressful for the frog but any chemical residue on your hands can be harmful to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s not the only reason, of course. Fire-bellied toads produce a mild toxin that can be dangerous to humans. The toxin is a defense mechanism that is potent enough to deter would-be (animal) predators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be dangerous and irritating, especially if ingested. It should go without saying but don’t eat your pet. Don’t even rub your eyes without first washing your hands thoroughly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In all seriousness, try to limit the amount of time spent handling your fire-bellied toad. They’re great display pets that will live up to 20 years or more when cared for properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Wild<\/h2>\n\n\n\n When someone mentions a “Fire-Bellied Toad” they’re generally referring to the Oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalist<\/em>). What you may not know is that the common name “Fire-Bellied Toad” is often used to describe a Genus; a Genus that contains eight different species. One of which is the Oriental fire-bellied toad, of course. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHere is a list of the other species in that genus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apennine Yellow-Bellied Toad (B. pachypus<\/em>)<\/li>European Fire-Bellied Toad (B. bombina<\/em>)<\/li>Guangxi Firebelly toad (B. fortinuptialis<\/em>)<\/li>Hubei Firebelly Toad (B. microdeladigitora<\/em>)<\/li>Lichuan Bell Toad (B. lichuanensis<\/em>)<\/li>Oriental Fire-bellied toad (B. orientalis<\/em>)<\/li>Yunnan Firebelly Toad (B. maxima<\/em>)<\/li>Yellow-bellied Toad (B. variegata<\/em>)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThese species are found throughout regions of Europe and Asia. Like most frogs, they’re found in and around pools of water. They seem to prefer stagnant or calm bodies of water like ponds, pools of rainwater, or gently moving streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fire-Bellied Toad FAQS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n This section is meant to answer some of the most common questions about keeping fire-bellied toads as pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are fire-bellied toads hard to care for?<\/strong> Fire-bellied toads are not beginner-friendly, in my opinion. Yes, they’re great display pets but they have a more sophisticated setup than something like an American Toad. <\/p> <\/div>
What is the lifespan of a fire-bellied toad?<\/strong> The typical lifespan of a fire-bellied toad is between 10 – 15 years in captivity, provided they’re cared for properly. Some hobbyists have reported their pets living up to 20 years.<\/p> <\/div>
Do fire-bellied toads need a heat lamp?<\/strong> They usually don’t need a heat lamp. Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are adequate. If your home happens to get below 65 degrees, you will need a heating device.<\/p> <\/div>
Can fire belly toads live alone?<\/strong> Yes, absolutely. There is nothing wrong with housing a single fire-bellied toad by itself. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Oriental Fire-Bellied Toad is one of the world’s most popular amphibian pets. It’s no wonder why, either. They have striking colors and patterns. The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1438,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[10,17],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Fire-Bellied Toad Care Sheet & Pet Guide - Frog Pets<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n