They are also fairly long-lived, with an average life span of seven to nine years in the wild. [3] X Research source Bullfrogs are voracious and cannibalistic feeders, requiring a large and steady diet of live prey (more on this below). The males, as well, are territorial and often aggressive, and are known for occasionally cannibalizing tadpoles and young frogs. For these reasons, you’ll want to think carefully about why (and whether or not) you really want to commit to raising an American bullfrogs.
Bullfrogs should not be handled. [4] X Research source The oils from our skin can be harmful to the frogs, and similarly, the frogs can be carriers of dangerous salmonella. Because bullfrogs can live so long, you should be sure that you’ll be able to commit to caring for your frog(s) in the long-term. If your child’s interests are varied and quick-changing, you might want to reconsider your choice! If you can no longer care for your bullfrog, you must be very careful about releasing your bullfrog into the wild unless your bullfrog was native to your area. Non-native bullfrogs are considered invasive species, and can cause quite a lot of damage and disruption to local ecosystems. Because bullfrogs are known to cannibalize, it’s recommended that you keep only one mature bullfrog in a tank.
While it might seem appealing to raise frogs for meat, overall, the venture is quite risky. Those operations which have been successful have been in locations which naturally provide optimal outdoor living conditions for bullfrogs. Should you decide to proceed with your business operation, you’ll obviously need a more more extensive set-up and habitat for your frogs. You’ll also need to research and verify the particular regulations to which you’ll be subject, acquire all of the necessary licenses, etc. Keep in mind that these will vary by state.
There should be a “wet” area in the tank, with the water being deep enough to cover approximately half of your frog’s height. Be sure to add plenty of hiding spots in the tanks (with the rocks and plants you’ve collected).
Depending upon the tank in your home, you may also need a light. Assuming that the room in which you keep the tank is relatively warm (25-28 degrees Celsius), you won’t need a heater for your aquarium. Bullfrogs require a humid environment, so it’s possible that you’ll need to use a humidifier on occasion. You may also want to cover the sides of your aquarium (excluding the front, where you’ll be observing the frogs) with colored paper or aquarium backdrops. This will help prevent the bullfrogs from jumping against the glass and injuring themselves.
You’ll need either a cage or lidded container depending upon whether you are collecting mature frogs or tadpoles. Make sure that your cage has a tight-fitting lid so as to keep the mature bullfrog from jumping out. If you’re catching tadpoles, bring a sturdy net to wrangle the little guys. Check that the holes are smaller than your smallest finger so that the tadpoles won’t slip through. If you plan on catching an adult bullfrog and plan to catch it with your hands, wear gloves. If you haven’t already set up your aquarium with water, soil, etc. from the pond, make sure to collect sufficient materials from your frogs’ first home now.
Give your new pal time to acclimate, and be sure that you’ve provided your bullfrog with plenty of tasty food to hunt. See the next part for more detailed instructions on how to feed and care for your bullfrog.
You can also supplement with animal feed, available from pet stores. American bullfrogs remain in the tadpole stage for an extended period of time—up to a year or longer depending upon the species and climate. Once they reach their mature stage, their feeding needs will change.
Adult bullfrogs eat insects, worms, tadpoles, small fish, and even young frogs and small snakes. [10] X Research source They will only eat moving prey, so you’ll need to supply them with live food. Because bullfrogs have a seemingly unending appetite, you’ll need to be careful not to overfeed them. Young juvenile frogs should be fed only once every couple of days, and adults only need to be fed only two to three times a week. You may also want to consider adding a calcium supplement to the frog’s prey.
You’ll find it handy to purchase a pair of aquarium forceps. These will be useful for removing frog feces and any leftover food. You should do this regularly (ideally, every day). Be sure to replace replenish your frog’s water supply regularly. Every week or so, you should remove approximately one-third of the tank’s water and replace it with fresh, dechlorinated water. The frog’s water should be slightly acidic, and free from pesticides or other contaminants. You may need to use a commercial dechlorinator.
Is your frog lethargic? Is your frog eating less or not at all? Is your frog’s belly bloated? Is your frog’s skin reddened (or different in color at all)? If so, these are all signs of failing health, and you should be prepared to take your bullfrog to a qualified veterinarian.
