{"id":594,"date":"2018-05-22T02:33:51","date_gmt":"2018-05-22T02:33:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/?p=594"},"modified":"2022-08-28T00:22:41","modified_gmt":"2022-08-28T00:22:41","slug":"gray-tree-frog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/gray-tree-frog\/","title":{"rendered":"Gray Tree Frog Care Sheet & Pet Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the most popular treefrogs is the Gray Tree Frog; the Hyla versicolor<\/em>. These beautiful treefrogs have the ability to change colors; from a light gray to green and sometimes a brown coloration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are easily one of the U.S. and Canada’s best-looking treefrogs and they’re fairly easy to care for. That’s what this page is all about; caring for Gray Treefrogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, I’ll show you the basic items you’ll need to set up their cage, what to feed them, and, if you’re interested, a short husbandry guide for breeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gray Tree Frog Cage Setup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting up an enclosure for a Gray Tree Frog is fairly simple. This species isn’t picky but it’s always a good idea to give them the best habitat possible. As such, I suggest using a tall terrarium<\/strong>; something with more vertical space than horizontal space. An aquarium will work, but it lacks the vertical climbing space that treefrogs enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tree
Learn how to set up a tree frog enclosure \u2192<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The size of the terrarium depends on the number of frogs you’re keeping. A 12″ x 12″ x 18″ terrarium<\/strong> will hold 1 – 2 while an 18″ x 18″ x 24″ terrarium<\/strong> will hold 4 or more. You can go larger if you like but it’s not required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because these frogs are small, a small enclosure works well. Many hobbyists keep them in 10-gallon aquariums, which seems to work fine. If, however, you can give them a tall terrarium, you should; they will appreciate it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a list of the items you will need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Terrarium (12″ x 12″ x 18″ recommended)<\/li>
  2. Branches and vines<\/li>
  3. Plants (live or fake)<\/li>
  4. Substrate<\/li>
  5. Shallow water dish<\/li>
  6. Spray bottle or misting system<\/li>
  7. Heater or lamp (if your house is too cold)<\/li>
  8. Hygrometer thermometer for checking humidity & temperature<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You’ll definitely want to place a bunch of branches<\/a> and plants around the enclosure. Seeing as this is a treefrog, they will enjoy spending their time in the vertical spaces of their enclosure. Fake vines are also another way to create additional climbing places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This species is nocturnal so a UVB light is not a requirement<\/strong>. You may, however, consider providing them a light under certain conditions. If their enclosure is inside a room that doesn’t have natural light from a window, you should provide a light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Also, if have real plants that require special lighting, you can provide a nice, low-powered grow light. Last but not least, if you need to raise the temperature of your frog’s enclosure to meet their needs, a light or a heat lamp are great options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Gray treefrogs survive in a wide range of temperatures in the wild; anywhere between 50 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit and even freezing temperatures during the winter months. They seem to prefer a nice temperature gradient, ranging between 65 – 80 degrees<\/strong>. So, room temperature is a great starting place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If your house is anything like mine, we like to keep the temperature between 70 – 72 degrees and slightly cooler at night. These temperatures work great but, with a small heat lamp or incandescent light bulb, it can be made better! Place a small basking light over their enclosure and check the temperature at the top of the cage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The goal is to get the temperature between 77 – 80 \u00b0 F at the very top. The bottom of the enclosure should be room temperature, around 70 – 72 degrees. This creates a nice temperature gradient from the top to the bottom, giving your frog the option to move to their preferred temperature spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Provide plenty of hiding places<\/strong>, especially if you’re using a bulb to heat the top portion of the enclosure. Hiding places will allow them to escape direct sunlight as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Substrate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When choosing a substrate for your treefrog, you have several options. Even though your pet will spend most of their time in the vertical spaces of your enclosure, it’s important to use a substrate that retains moisture and something that won’t be harmful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Aquarium gravel or sand may look nice but it can be impacted. Impaction occurs when some of the substrate is consumed by your pet while eating. The food is digested but the substrate is not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Over time, the build-up of small gravel in your tree frog’s gut will be harmful and often results in death. Due to this, avoid using small gravel, sand, and other particulate substrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I suggest using a coconut husk fiber substrate<\/strong> like plantation soil or eco earth. Soil mixed with unfertilized vermiculite and peat moss works great too. Just be sure you’re not using anything with fertilizers or other chemicals which can be harmful to amphibians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Gray<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Water Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    As with all amphibians, Gray treefrogs absorb water through their semi-permeable skin. Because their skin is so delicate, you should do your best to avoid using water with toxins and chemicals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tap water, for example, often contains chlorine or chloramine. These chemicals are used to clean water and they’re harmful to frogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I’ve found the best solution for providing safe, clean water for amphibians<\/a> is to invest a few dollars in a water conditioner like ReptiSafe. With a few drops, these water conditioners dechlorinate the water<\/strong>, making it more suitable for amphibians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With that in mind, place a shallow water dish<\/strong> on the bottom of your frog’s enclosure. It doesn’t need to be very deep. Ensure the water dish is filled with clean water at all times and clean the water every other day or as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Humidity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Much like the temperature, Gray treefrogs tolerate a range of humidity levels too. Keep their enclosure around 50% relative humidity<\/strong> with a spike up to 80% each day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To maintain or increase the humidity, mist their cage once or twice each day. I recommend getting a hygrometer thermometer combo; a digital hygrometer reads the relative humidity level, outputting the percentage on a small display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Related: <\/p>\n\n\n\n