My Kid Brought Home a.... Tadpole!

       Hi there! So, I think I want to make some posts for spring and summer about pets kids commonly bring home. Maybe they found them, maybe they won them at a fair or event, maybe they bought them on vacation. Regardless of how they got these animals, it is important to know how to care for your new friend properly. Often times, these pets die quickly at the hands of people who mean well, but just don't know any better. These posts will hopefully help parents and kids give their new buddies happy lives. Let me emphasize that I do NOT recommend going out and taking animals from the wild (in some cases it is illegal even)... that being said, I understand that things happen and I would rather the animal get the correct care than just die.

Our first post will be about how to care for a tadpole! This is just sort of an overview so let me know if you have any specific questions; I'd be happy to help! Tadpole raising can really have some benefits like helping tadpoles that may have been picked off in the wild or inspiring young children to take an interest in the world around them.

To begin, where did the tadpole come from? Did the child find it outside? It makes a difference what type it is. The website paherps.com lists frogs and toads in PA :

• Eastern American Toad
• Fowler’s Toad
• Eastern Cricket Frog
• Cope’s Gray Treefrog
• Eastern Gray Treefrog
• Bullfrog
• Green Frog
• Pickerel Frog
• Northern Leopard Frog
• Wood Frog
• Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
• Mountain Chorus Frog
• Upland Chorus Frog
• New Jersey Chorus Frog
• Western Chorus Frog
• Northern Spring Peeper
• Eastern Spadefoot

I would search until you find tadpoles that look like yours. The ones that I have seen the most tend to be bullfrog or leopard frog tadpoles. If they are really tiny, they may be toad tadpoles (I see those frequently too.) The type of tadpoles matter because you need to decide early on the level of commitment you are willing to have. For example, a bullfrog tadpole is a much bigger commitment than a leopard frog tadpole. While some types may take a few weeks to morph, a bullfrog tadpole could take up to two years to start changing! Also, some websites will say that you should never let a frog you have raised into the wild, even if it is a native species, because it will not be used to fending for itself. Some feel that it is okay as long as they are not exposed to other pets/contaminants and shortly after metamorphosis are released in the location they were found.

If you intend to keep the frog please read up on their requirements. Bullfrogs, for instance, need at least a 20 gallon, preferably more, and can live longer than a decade. This is important to know!

Anyway, on to the actual care and set up.
Tank:
-You will not be able to raise tadpoles by simply keeping them in a jar... if you try this they will die one by one. They will need a tank with enough space (depends on how many you have) that you can keep clean. I have done this with and without a filter.
 - The tadpoles will appreciate a location with some indirect sunlight if possible, but still approx. 95% shade. Not enough for them to overheat though. Maybe in a room near a window.
- The tank will need a lid to keep pets away and keep froglets secure. A screen lid works well. If you do not have one and do not want to buy one, make your own.
- Do not over-crowd. Only a few tadpoles per gallon is ideal, but it honestly depends on the type.
Water
 -Make sure any water used is dechlorinated! You can use bottled water, some use rain water, use drops intended for reptiles or fish tanks, or set the water out for 24 hours with an open top for the chlorine to evaporate.
-Water should be a few inches. I prefer to prop up one end of the tank to make a shallow end and deep end. You could also build up one side.

-Without a filter, you will just have to change the water frequently.
-With a filter: if you have large tadpoles that obviously cannot be sucked into your gentle filter, you should be fine. To use a filter with tiny tadpoles, I recommend either blocking it in your tank, or covering the intake spot with pantyhose or some material to keep the tadpoles from getting sucked in or using a sponge filter,
Decor
- It will benefit the tadpoles to add appropriate plants. Hornwort, java moss, duckweed, and anacharis are great choices. I love anacharis. It provides cover, oxygen, and they can nibble on it if they choose. You can get these plants at pet shops and garden/pond shops.
- An aquarium bubbler helps keep oxygen in the water if you have one. 
- When they start to morph, you will need to provide places to leave the water easily so they do not drown. This can be done using floating docks, cork bark, various aquarium decorations, etc. This is very very important or the weak froglets will drown. You could also build a slope with gravel.
 
Food
-Putting a piece of cuttlebone in the water is a good, easy way to provide calcium. This can be purchased for a dollar or two at any pet store in the bird section.
- Do some research on your type because some are carnivorous, some are omnivores, some herbivores. In general, blanched greens can be used, fish flakes, algae wafers, shrimp pellets, some like bloodworms, etc.
 -If you collected these guys from a local place, you could take some leaves from the location to settle at the bottom of the tank. Or some pond scum type debris from their original location. You can also use indian almond leaves.
-Some pet shops sell tadpole food!
-As their tail shrinks, they will not need food.
-If you still have them once the tail shrinks, you will need some tiny food like baby crickets, fruitflies, or leaf litter bugs.  
 
 Metamorphosis
-Once the little guys start getting front arms, it is time to really make sure they can easily escape the water. Keep a close eye on them. Some froglets, especially frogs that stay on the ground, may be especially poor swimmers and need help leaving the water. Good luck!

So hopefully this provides some helpful general information. Shoot me any specific questions or comments if you have them!

Partners in Crime: Social Animals

It Takes Two
While some animals will be totally fine kept singly, some can only thrive when provided with a friend! Today I am going to mention some of the pets I believe you should get multiple of or at least a pair.

Gerbils
Gerbils are very social and do well when in pairs provided there is enough space. They do best if from the same litter, but you can also follow a process to introduce a pair. Watch out for declanning though- this is when a group begins to fight and it can end in death, so know the signs! (*Also do not have a crappy cage like the one I had in the pictures. Provide lots of space, burrowing material, safe solid wheel for running etc.

Mice
Mice are highly social creatures. While some male mice may fight if not brought up together from a very young age or neutered, I believe you should always try to keep female mice in pairs or groups! They are so much happier this way.

Rats
Rats need one another. Unless a strange situation presents itself and the rat cannot be housed with others for some reason, always buy more than one rat. Rats become very depressed and lonely if they are by themselves. Often, when it's cage mate dies, the second rat will die within a few weeks. Rats are a commitment and without another rat friend, a single rat would need to be out with it's owner for several hours daily. Even this, however, cannot replace having a mate in the cage with him when you are away. Don't be cruel and selfish- get two.

Guinea Pigs
This is another animal people constantly try to buy alone. Don't do it! Buy her a friend! I know that guinea pigs can be expensive, but if you cannot care for them correctly or provide for their needs, choose a different pet or no pet at all. It is important for their mental and overall well-being.

Rabbits
While many people only have one rabbit, they actually do far better in pairs in most cases!

Chinchillas
Chinchillas should also be kept in pairs. A pair will be much less likely to get depressed or develop problems.

Hermit Crabs
These are highly social little critters! Please be sure to get your buddy a friend if thinking of getting one. They are happiest and healthiest when living in groups. In the wild, they often stick together and lay in clumps.

Finches
Finches are very social birds and should not be kept singly. They may develop behavior problems if kept alone. Please purchase a pair if you decide these are the pets for you.

I'm sure I've missed some, but these are some of the more common pets that do better if they are not kept alone. :)

What Can I Do With My Empty... 10 -20 Gallon (Part 2)

Ok, part 2! Here are some more suggestions for that empty 10 gallon tank you've got lying around. :) Remember to do your research before getting any pets and in general bigger is usually appreciated! Here we go.

* This post has been updated since it was originally written. I have learned more in that time and have realized that many suggestions are not appropriate for a 10 gallon tank. I also feel that bigger is typically better and can provide more enrichment and better heat/humidity variations as needed and do not want to encourage anyone to aim for bare minimum care.

10-20 Gallon Suggestions


Hermit Crabs: Despite your childhood, these are not throwaway vacation pets, nor should they die soon after you have them. They are not a pet to keep in a cute little bug catcher and those fun painted shells? Inhibits their breathing. There are lots of misconceptions about these fascinating little creatures so please be kind and do your homework. They need much more space than people tend to give them. A 20 gallon with 2 crabs is pushing the limits of acceptable especially as they grow larger. I have 3 in a 50 gallon currently. They are large, active, and can get territorial. In addition, they need lots of area to burrow, climb, shell shop, etc.

Crayfish: How cool is this guy? Crayfish are typically very aggressive so if you choose this, plan on only having one per tank. That being said, they are very interesting pets with a variety of types to choose from and an assortment of unique behaviors. Make sure they have lots to explore and many tunnels/hiding spots.

Other crustaceans...mainly Vampire Crabs! These guys have had my attention since I heard of them. They are sooo cool! They do well in a setup similar to dart frogs and are actually much more likely to be on land than in the water.

Mice: You could keep a pair or trio of female mice in a tank this size as long as it has lots for them to explore and play with. Make sure to keep things interesting for them! They are sweet, intelligent creatures. There are also all kinds of adorable fancy mice like this picture. *Update: while you technically could do this, you will be dealing with a lot more smell and cleaning. It is better to provide more space when possible and I would not keep mice in a 10 gallon for anything at this point. They also deserve an enriching environment with plenty of space and things to do. You could probably make a 20 gallon work for a pair with lots of enrichment, but again, bigger would be better.

Bumblebee Toads: Look how beautiful these little toads are! They are definitely on my wishlist <3 They are a little pricey, but just look at how neat they are! Fun fact: They walk instead of hopping around.

Pacman Frog: Make sure not to put your fingers in front of him or you may get a nasty surprise! These guys are one of the few frogs with teeth-like structures and can deliver quite a bite if they think you are a snack! Still, they are super cute. They may not be overly active, but they have simple requirements and provide a show at dinnertime. Only one frog per tank!

Budgett's Frog: These are definitely another species on my wishlist! I have always found them absolutely adorable. Babies can start in a 10 gallon. They will get fairly large, but are pretty inactive which is why they are alright in a 20 gallon as adults. If these catch your attention, do your reading and make sure to learn about aestivation.

American Toad: One of these could be fine in a 10, 2 could be alright in a 20 gallon. As usual, bigger would give more space for exploration and enrichment. Another on my wishlist <3 I think they are just so cute. Toads are often overlooked, but can make great pets. When doing your research, always make sure to learn about any possible toxins toads (or really any amphibians) may secrete. They aren't a pet you should be handling much anyway.


Scorpion: There are a few species that can be kept communally, but most should be kept singly. This would be an interesting choice appropriate for the space offered!



Snails: This is a picture of a land snail, but there are several types of aquatic snail that would also do well in a smaller tank that holds 10-20 gallons of water. If you keep aquatic snails, be aware you will need to have good filtration and clean frequently because these guys are messy!


So that's that for now! Hope you liked some of these suggestions!

What Can I Do With My Empty ... 10-20 Gallon (part 1)

*This post has been updated since it was written since I have learned a lot since then. I am expanding this to 10-20 gallons since 10 gallons truly are not appropriate for many things.

So sometimes when I'm bored, or if I have an empty tank or cage around, I do a little research and dream of the possibilities. Today, I am going to share with you my list of what could go in that empty 10 gallon you've had laying around! Now, I won't be including literally every possibility obviously (I tend to avoid common fish) and I am not the only authority on this so I'm sure some people out there might argue with my suggestions. I am not saying any of these are simple to care for or anything like that. I am simply giving you what I've found so it can help you dream a little too. :) If you decide to try any of these, please be sure to do additional reading to be safe!

10-20 Gallon Possibilities:

A betta sorority! For this type of tank to work, you need at least a well decorated 10 gallon (though bigger is better) and at least three female bettas with compatible personalities. Don't overcrowd though. In theory, each is likely to claim a small territory. I have read many instances where this has been successful, but never tried it myself.  *Update: I would no longer recommend or attempt this in less than a 20 gallon. The smaller you go, the more fighting there will be.

Nano Reef: I have never had a salt water tank, but if you are willing to work for it, this is definitely a possibility!

Land Arthropods: This category is basically for those who love creepy crawlies! It includes tarantulas, centipedes, scorpions, assorted insects, including of course my favorite: millipedes. I actually have a tank of large millipedes I will probably do a post on at some point. Some of these are very simple, but all need specific needs to be met so do that research!

Geckos!: There are several small species you could keep in a ten gallon. Some to look into could be house geckos, mourning geckos, other micro/dwarf geckos etc. Do your research though and look into what kind of heat gradient they need since it can be difficult to get much temperature difference in such a small space. Mourning geckos can live in a 10, but keep in mind they breed constantly (even if you only have 1) and can escape through even tiny holes. You would need to alter your tank to accommodate this.

Fire Belly Toads: Ah, these guys have a special place in my heart. :) I have three (Polly, Tad, and Lily) and they had babies last summer. It was awesome (I'll probably make a post about that someday too). You can easily keep three of these guys in a ten gallon as long as they have both land and water. The tank can be as simple as water and a floating dock, or as complex as you want. Mine are in a ten gallon I divided to create a land section. *Update: I moved mine to a 20 gallon and prefer it. They were fine in the 10 but they have much more space for land and water sections now and are fairly active.
 
Fire Belly Newts! The newt version! I have always wanted these cuties. If you choose to get newts, make sure you can maintain the cool temperatures they like :) These are another option if semi-aquatic tanks are your thing. The larger the tank the easier it will be to maintain water quality.

Reed Frogs: Here is a more adventurous choice! These tiny guys are from Africa. They are beautifully colored and can be kept in a well planted tank. It may be slightly more difficult or pricey to come by them, but definitely an interesting option!

Axolotl- So I used to a have one of these babies in a 10 gallon. Unfortunately she was not very healthy and didn't make it to adulthood. You could start a baby in a 10 or 20, but an adult will need a larger tank. My current adult is in a 30 and would probably benefit from a larger tank even now. They get bigger than you think!  If this option interests you, make sure that you can keep the tank cool and do your research. I have mine in the basement over the tile and also have a fan over the water.

African Clawed Frog: This is my buddy, Derp. I love him! This is a great type of pet frog. They are adorable, easy to care for, and definitely have personality. If you decide to get one, make sure it is legal in your state. They are banned in some places (for invasive species issues).

Anyway, that's half my list for now, I'll share the other half soon!