Best Pet Frogs for Beginners

If you're thinking about getting a frog as a pet, and have never had one, then choosing one from this list is going to be your best bet. You should always start with a frog that is inexpensive and easy to care for.

There are other frogs that are low maintenance that I have not included on this list such as; Pacman, Tomato and Pyxie frogs, simply because they tend to grow quite large, and they are very inactive. If you get a frog that just sits in it's tank like a bump on a log all the time, you will end up getting bored with it very quickly.

The frogs included on this list have been chosen not just because they are easy to care for and inexpensive to set up, but because they are relatively active. One thing you should keep in mind, frogs are not pets that can be taken out and handled on a regular basis. Frogs are more or less for your viewing pleasure only, kind of like fish.

Fire-Bellied Toads             

The classification of these amphibians have changed many times, from frog to toad and back again. They live like frogs, being semi-aquatic but their skin texture is that of a toad.

The most common fire-bellied toads are the Oriental toads. They have green backs and a bright red underside. There is also the European toad which has a brown back with the red underside. Most pet stores that sell these toads will have the Oriental fire-bellied toads.

These toads make excellent pets for beginners because they are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, unlike most frogs. They also have an appealing whooping call that sounds like a small dog barking.

Fire-bellied toads are social and prefer to live in groups so, it's best to get at least two. Though, they remain small, only reaching approximately 1 1/2 inches in length, you should allow at least three gallons of space per frog. Five gallons per frog is even better. The more space you give them, the active they will be.

These toads should only be handled when absolutely necessary. They have glands in their skin that secrete toxins, though not dangerous to humans, it can cause a rash. It's more for toads safety, that you keep handling to the minimum. Any type of soap residue or even the natural oils from your skin can harm them.

African Dwarf Frog             

The African Dwarf Frog is another small frog, that will only reach lengths between 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 inches. Their color variations range from a light brown to an olive green with dark spotting down their back.

These frogs are mainly an aquatic species, and will spend the majority of their time in the water, but will surface from time to time, as they are air breathing frogs.

African Dwarf Frogs can be kept by themselves or in a community. Since they spend the majority of time in the water, you should allow approximately ten galloons of water per frog.

If you are not keen on keeping live insects in your home, this would make the perfect pet frog for you. These frogs can be fed a variety of frozen and freeze dried foods such as, brine shrimp, bloodworms, dried krill or baby shrimp.  

Whites Tree Frog/Dumpy Frog

The Whites Tree Frog is a larger frog then those mentioned above. It will reach an approximate length of 5 inches. Their coloring is light green, some may have a blueish hue, with a white underside. Some may develop white or yellowish spots on their backs and along their sides.

As the name suggests, these frogs prefer to live in the trees and will require a vertical tank, as opposed to and aquarium. These frogs do very well in a community as well as on their own.  If you plan of keeping more than one, you should allow approximately five gallons of space per frog.

Unlike most frogs, the Whites Tree frog does tolerate some handling. They may even become accustomed to it. Keep in mind, they do have delicate skin, so make sure your hands are clean and free of any soap, lotion or oil residue before handling them. Also, remember to wash your hands after you have handled them as well. 

In conclusion;

Remember to do your research first, to determine which frog will fit into your lifestyle. Ask yourself a few questions. How much time do you have to devote to your pet frog? How much can you afford to pay for the frog and it's upkeep? Are you willing to commit to the frogs needs long term?

Which ever frog you choose, if taken care of properly, will bring you years of enjoyment.

Best Pet Lizards for Beginners

As reptiles continue to grow in popularity as pets, you may be considering getting one yourself or for your kids. There are many things that need to be considered before you run out to the pet store and pick one out.

First and foremost, have you done your research? Never bring home a reptile you are not prepared for. Know what type of reptile you want, make sure you already have the equipment that will be required to care for it properly and know how to care for it.

Second, if you have never kept a reptile before, make sure you start with an animal that is relatively easy to care for. Many people make the mistake of getting something like an iguana. They are definitely amazing creatures but not for the beginner. They get very large, can be difficult to handle, require large enclosures and large pocket books.

These lizards made the list of the Best Pet lizards for Beginners due to their ease of care and non-aggressive behavior.



Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are very people friendly. Most of them love attention and enjoy human companionship. They are naturally docile lizards and will rarely bit.

Their size will typically range between 18- 20 inches from head to tip of tail, but some have been known to get as large as 24 inches, so they will require a rather large enclosure.

The basis bearded dragon is inexpensive but there are many different colors and morphs available on the market and the more rare a morph is, the more expensive it will be.

Bearded dragons originate from Australia so they do require very hot, arid habitats, so the initial set up for them can be a little pricey but once you are set up, you basically just have to pay for live insects, greens, vegetables and change out their UVB and full spectrum bulbs every six months to a year, depending on which bulbs you use. Regular cage maintenance is required, as well as daily feeding, free roam time and handling.

You can find a basic care guide for bearded dragons by following this link So You Want a Bearded Dragon



Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are one of the more popular pet lizards on the market today. They are absolutely one of the most charming and docile lizards you will find, that will find it's way into your heart the first time it looks up at you and you see that smiling face.

They are available in a broad range of colors and patterns that range from vibrant colors to very unique patterns. You are sure to find one that not only look amazing, but will delight you with it's friendly personality.

They generally range between 7-10 inches and males can live as long as twenty years. Females usually live about half as long.

It doesn't take much to keep these little guys happy. They don't require a lot of space, just a couple of hides and live feeder insects and they are good to go. They are nocturnal so don't require special lighting, but plan on only seeing them in the evenings.



Fat-Tailed Gecko

Fat-tailed geckos are much like the leopard gecko. They have the same care requirements, diet, life span and personality. The main differences are their appearance and origin.

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Blue Tongued Skink

Blue tongued skinks make good beginner pets because they are very easy to handle and have a docile nature. They are not as delicate as some of the other lizards mentioned here but you still need to take care when holding them.

Blue tongued skinks are one of the larger beginner lizards, growing up to 30 inches in length, from head to tip of tail. They also have a live span of up to 30 years but average more like 20.

They are a bit expensive to purchase and they do require special heat, lighting, hides and a large enclosure. They are omnivores, so require greens, vegetables, fruit and meat, such as insects and mice, which can be costly as well.

The blue tongued skink will make the perfect pet lizard for a household with younger children, as they have a hard, firm body and can tolerate a child's firm grip better than many other types of lizards.



Crested Gecko

Crested geckos are small in nature, only reaching 6-8 inches in length. They can be handle on a regular basis, but you will need to take some care while doing so, as they are jumpers.

They come in a variety of color morphs and again, the more rare the morph, the most expensive they are.

Crested geckos don't require a very large enclosure or any special heat bulbs, provided the normal temperatures in you home stay between 72 - 78 degrees. They don't really have to have UVB lighting either because they are nocturnal. In the wild they do receive some filtered UVB from the sun while they sleep so you might consider giving them some UVB light for a couple hours a day.

Feeding crested geckos is just a matter of mixing up prepackaged powdered food with water and putting it in a bowl daily. They also enjoy being fed crickets once a week.

The one draw back to crested geckos is you only get to see them once the sun goes down. If you are a night owl, this may be the perfect pet lizard for you.




In conclusion;

Remember to do your research first, to determine which lizard will fit into your lifestyle. Ask yourself a few questions. How much time do you have to devote to your pet lizard? How much can you afford to pay for the lizard and it's upkeep? Are you willing to commit to the lizards needs long term?

Which ever lizard you choose, if taken care of properly, will bring you years of enjoyment.


BudgetPetCare.com