Osteopilus septentrionalis (Cuban tree frog)

Osteopilus septentrionalis (Cuban tree frog)

Age: 10 to 15 years
Origin: Southeast America
Length: 5 to 12 centimeters
This species is one of the largest tree frog species in Florida with a color that varies between light brown and dark brown. They can be recognized by the large adhesive discs on the toes with which they can climb. They have a large white belly.

Care
Experience: Novice frog keeper
Food: Insectivore
Feed adult: Every 2 to 3 days
Feed young: Daily
Water basin: Water bath of 5 to 7 cm deep
Water change: Daily

Power supply
The Cuban tree frog eats insects such as crickets, flies, moths, small grasshoppers and fruit flies. It is best to give these insects alive to promote hunting, this is good for the health of the animals. Remove uneaten prey to avoid disturbing or damaging resting frogs. The best time to feed the frogs is after daylight has gone out as that is when they become active.

To compensate for a shortage of calcium and vitamin D3 in captivity, the prey animals can be powdered with vitamins and minerals, which can be purchased at a pet store.

Water
Offer the frogs a water bath about 2 to 3 inches deep for the frogs to bathe in. The water temperature should be 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. The water can be heated with heating cables or a heating element for aquariums. The water bowl should be about a quarter of the cage.

Cleaning
Keeping the terrarium clean is very important. The water in the water bath should be changed daily, because tree frogs often use the water as a toilet. Inspect the terrarium daily, remove dirty furnishings, clean and replace. The entire terrarium and interior must be cleaned several times a year. If disinfectants are required for cleaning (only use mild variants), rinse everything well and dry. This prevents the sensitive frog skin from coming into contact with chemicals.

Handling
The frog should be handled as little as possible because otherwise you will damage the skin, even a little salt on our hands can already affect the skin. If necessary, you can catch them by letting them run into a container without using your hands.

Housing
Minimum size stay for 2 frog: 45x45x60 centimeters
Day temperature: 24-29 degrees Celsius
Night temperature: 20-24 degrees Celsius
Hours of light: 12 to 14 hours a day
Humidity Level: 60-80%
Soil cover: Moisture-retaining cover such as Hydro granules with bark, peat plates and flat stones on top. This can be covered with live moss.

Design
The terrarium should have many robust large-leaved plants. Sturdy branches are also needed to climb. Make sure there are no splinters on these branches, as this could injure the animals. The frogs can hide under plates of cork bark or hollowed-out trunks.
The tree frog also needs UV light to stay healthy. They need UV radiation to make vitamin D. To get UV radiation into the accommodation, you can use a UV lamp.

Behaviour
Hunting method: In the night at dusk it hunts for insects
Lifestyle: Nocturnal

Character
Cuban tree frogs rest in trees during the day, but can also be found on the ground during the day in puddles or in low vegetation along the water's edge. When the animals are not hunting at night, they sit on branches and leaves of trees. When it rains, the frogs can also be active during the day.

Points of attention
In the spring, Cuban tree frogs can also croak at night, which can keep you awake. This takes about 5 to 6 weeks.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation:-
One-off costs: the costs of the animal and the accommodation.
Fixed costs: food and clean bedding.
Unexpected costs: vet costs should the animal become ill