Now i understand that the most widely accepted substrate for frogs is the eco-earth, bed-a-beast, cocofiber, sort of product, which would make sense since it holds in a lot of moisture. I have read articles though where owners say that their frogs have become impacted from ingesting the dirt. Is this a common sort of thing or is it just a rarely heard of accident? What are some other substrates are there that work as well as the dirt, if not better? I have seen at some reptile shows where frogs have been kept on a spongey looking piece of foam or something in their enclosures also. What would you guys suggest?
Substrate for a horned frog
- Thread starter Wretched5705
- Start date
Stick with the bed-a-beast. I like it because it seems to have antifungal properties, i.e. it doesn't mold even though it's constantly wet. Feed your frog in another container and you'll never have to worry about impactation.
Frogs are just stomachs with legs... they ingest all sorts of substrate out in the wild as well and though many of them are actually good about keeping the dirt off their prey it still happens. if your frog is kept at proper temps and humidity it should not have a problem digesting any accidentally swallow substrate.
however, as it was mentioned, feeding in a separate container gets rid of any doubts
however, as it was mentioned, feeding in a separate container gets rid of any doubts
Frogs are just stomachs with legs... they ingest all sorts of substrate out in the wild as well and though many of them are actually good about keeping the dirt off their prey it still happens. if your frog is kept at proper temps and humidity it should not have a problem digesting any accidentally swallow substrate.
however, as it was mentioned, feeding in a separate container gets rid of any doubts
however, as it was mentioned, feeding in a separate container gets rid of any doubts
Oh so it is okay to pick them up and feed in a seperate container. I was under the impression that you shouldn't pick them up or anything because of our oils getting into their skin. Thanks for the info guys, I don't have a frog yet but hopefully I'll have one in the future, after I gather enough information. Thanks again!
Since it seems the OP has come to a conclusion on using eco earth, I think it should be worth noting that often times, the way the herps are displayed at shows aren't really good ideas for permanent housing. The spongy stuff was probably more to allow people to see them. If they had bed a beast, theyd hunker down and you'd have nothing to see to evaluate and purchase.
I would say sphagnum or peat moss. You can buy both at home depot or lowes and they should not cause impaction.