Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🐸

If you’ve ever wanted a pet that looks like an adorable little alien and has a calm, laid-back personality, the White’s Tree Frog might just be the amphibian for you. Also known as the Australian Green Tree Frog or Dumpy Frog, this charming creature is one of the most popular pet amphibians for a reason. With their unique looks, manageable care requirements, and hardy nature, they make a great choice for beginners and seasoned amphibian enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of these sticky-toed cuties!

Ease of Handling: 4/5

Unlike many other frogs, White’s Tree Frogs are incredibly docile and tolerant of gentle handling. They’re not jumpy or prone to stress and will often sit calmly in your hand, making them perfect for short, occasional interactions. In fact, they’re so relaxed that they’ll happily perch on your hand for extended periods without trying to escape.

However, as with all amphibians, handling should be limited. Their delicate, permeable skin absorbs oils and chemicals from your hands, which can be harmful to them. To ensure their safety, always wash your hands thoroughly before handling, rinse off any soap residue, and avoid lotions or other substances that could transfer to their skin. While they are tolerant, minimizing handling is the best way to keep these frogs healthy and happy.

Care and Maintenance: 3/5

White’s Tree Frogs require a humid, well-ventilated enclosure that mimics their natural habitat. A 20-gallon vertical tank with a secure lid is ideal for an adult, as they’re excellent climbers and can scale smooth surfaces like glass with ease. For substrate, materials like sphagnum moss or coconut fiber work well to retain moisture while avoiding mold.

Humidity is critical for their health, so daily misting with dechlorinated water is a must. You can use a spray bottle or set up an automatic misting system for convenience. Maintaining a balance is key—too much moisture can lead to mold, while too little can dry out the frog. Aim for a humidity level of 50–70% and ensure there’s fresh, treated water available at all times.

Temperature requirements are modest. These frogs thrive in temperatures around 70–80°F, which can often be achieved with a heat mat on a thermostat. Lighting isn’t necessary for the frogs themselves, but if you include live plants in their enclosure, a low-level plant light can enhance the aesthetic and keep the plants thriving.

Their diet consists of live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. You’ll need to gut-load the insects (feed them nutritious food before offering them to your frog) and dust them with calcium powder to ensure your frog gets the nutrients it needs. While this can be a fun routine for some, the live food requirement might not be appealing to everyone.

Health and Durability: 4/5

White’s Tree Frogs can live for over 10 years, with some reaching 20 years or more in captivity when properly cared for. Their robust nature makes them forgiving of minor mistakes, which is why they’re a great choice for beginners.

That said, there are a few things to watch out for. Their permeable skin makes them sensitive to water quality, so always use dechlorinated or purified water in their enclosure. Exposure to harmful chemicals, extreme temperatures, or low humidity can quickly lead to health issues.

With proper husbandry and attention to detail, they’re incredibly resilient and rewarding pets.

Availability: 4/5

Thanks to successful captive breeding programs, White’s Tree Frogs are common in pet stores, expos, and online retailers. Since Australia restricts wildlife exports, the White’s Tree Frogs you’ll find in the pet trade are all captive-bred, which is excellent news for their health and sustainability.

Their availability means you can often choose between a variety of age and size options, from tiny froglets to mature adults.

Initial Cost: 4/5

The frogs themselves typically range from $20 to $50, depending on their age and coloration. Setting up their enclosure can be as budget-friendly or extravagant as you like. A basic setup with a glass tank, secure lid, substrate, water dish, and heat mat can cost under $100. However, if you want to go all out with a bioactive enclosure featuring live plants and decorative elements, the costs can rise significantly.

You’ll also need ongoing supplies, including live feeder insects, calcium supplements, and water treatment products. These recurring costs are manageable but should be factored into your budget.

Final Thoughts: 3.8/5

White’s Tree Frogs are a delight to own, with their unique appearance, calm temperament, and relatively simple care requirements. They’re a fantastic choice for beginners looking to enter the world of amphibians, as well as for experienced hobbyists who appreciate their charm.

While they aren’t a “handle-me-every-day” kind of pet, they’re fascinating to observe and incredibly rewarding to care for. If you’re ready to meet their humidity and water quality needs—and don’t mind the occasional cricket escape—they might just be the perfect pet for you!

Do you own a White’s Tree Frog, or are you thinking about getting one? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! 🐸