FAQs

Frequently asked questions about our frogs and our rescue!

"How did this all start?"

I have always loved the unordinary and "ugly" creatures of the world. One of my favorite animals as a kid was the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. I started my journey in the animal world with fish, filling my room with aquariums, to my parents' dismay. I eventually convinced my parents to let me get an axolotl(which multiplied to two). I fell in love with amphibians but grew tired of water changes, the nitrate cycle, and concerns about water ruining our floors. When I finally received my Social Security number, I applied to the closest pet store I could. I worked there and continued my college studies in business management. I changed majors three times before I realized college was not for me. Working at the pet store wasn't as fun as I had hoped; I dealt with many sick animals and people who didn't seem to share the same passion for animal care as I did. I took home many animals during my time there; anytime there was a sickly friend or one that looked too sad, too skinny, or too tired of life at the pet store, they would come home with me. I had leopard geckos, a bearded dragon, snakes, and, of course, my favorite, frogs. I dropped out of college and focused on internships with podcasts, media companies, small businesses, and anyone else who gave me a chance to prove myself. I stumbled into rescue with trial, error, help from veterinarians, and fellow internet pet creators. By the time I was 20, I knew this was something I wanted to do forever and created my rescue, with the goal of one day becoming a Nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization.

" Why is your rescue needed?"

In my eight years in the online pet community, I have only recently encountered one other rescue specializing in frogs. Frogs are often grouped with reptiles, and while they require some similar care, their differences make amphibian care unique from that of reptiles overall. Amphibians breathe through their porous skin, making them extremely vulnerable to disease and illness, and more sensitive than reptiles.

Pet frogs, much like reptiles, are very misunderstood. TikTok and Instagram have skyrocketed frog popularity. They have become common pets in American homes. While frog hashtags have piled up, the care research effort is still less than desired. This leaves frog care open to misinformation by pet stores with sales quotas and people's impulse purchases. Bacterial Infection, Toxing Out Syndrome, and Metabolic Bone Disease are the most common ailments I see when people come to me for help. My hope for my rescue is to demonstrate, educate, and rehabilitate. The goal is for others to see our disabled and previously neglected babies and realize the importance of good research and proper habitat. Frogs are a niche category; there is a laundry list of reptile rescues in America, but not many will take in frogs for various reasons. To summarize my answer, I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes, which you have probably heard before.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

- The Lorax, Dr. Seuss

"I've never heard of a disabled frog?"

Just like humans and many other animals on this planet, frogs can be disabled. It's not something people really think of, but these cases occur often in amphibians, especially now. As discussed earlier, frogs are very sensitive creatures. As pollutants like pesticides become commonplace in our waterways, we see adverse effects on local frog populations. Missing limbs and eyes, extra or deformed limbs, and tadpoles unable to fully metamorphose are frequently reported in wildlife census groups every year. Typically, though, these frogs don't survive very long in the wild, as natural selection makes them easy meals and vulnerable to disease. We now see similar cases in captivity with for-profit frog breeding. When producing upwards of five thousand eggs in a single clutch, not all will be healthy. Frog DNA can do some interesting things with offspring, and when reproducing at such high volumes, it is only natural to have a few "wonky" eggs in a clutch. Environmental factors can also cause issues in wild and captive tadpoles. Poor water quality is known to cause Spindly Leg Syndrome. Captivity makes these results tenfold as more of the eggs survive into tadpoles, froglets, and eventually full-grown adult frogs! Such cases can be seen with our Leggies and Finn, our hunchbacked boy.

"Birth defects" are not the only way a frog can become disabled. Neglect can cause many disabilities and what one may describe as chronic illnesses. Disabled frogs often need a modified way of living. Simpler terrariums, ramps for their water source, a soft enclosure bottom like Frog Foam, liquid diets, softer bugs, different feeding techniques, constant surveillance from the owner, and frequent trips to the veterinarian. This is why we do not adopt out disabled frogs. And why we often receive them from breeders wanting to give them a chance at a happy, healthy life within our care.

"What is M.B.D. ?"

MBD, or Metabolic Bone Disease, is a category of disease that mainly affects an animal's bones. These diseases are not only present in frogs; reptiles, birds, and mammals can all get metabolic bone diseases. In humans, the main five are osteoporosis, rickets/osteomalacia, fluorosis, and primary hyperparathyroidism. But in the reptile and frog world, we squash all of them under the name "Metabolic Bone Disease" and use it as a singular phrase. Most veterinarians also generalize MBDs to make things easier; they have similar causes and treatments. Because of this, I use it as singular as well.

"What causes MBD?"

Metabolic Bone Disease can be caused by nutritional and vitamin imbalances. Typically, for reptiles/frogs, it is caused by deprivation of proper UVB lighting and Calcium, but an imbalance of D3 and phosphorus can also cause MBD to materialize. This is why proper UVB, a T5OH tube bulb, a healthy, varied diet, and supplements calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D3 are important and necessary.

"How does MBD affect frogs?"

MBD causes frogs' bones to begin actively deteriorating. The bones become floppy, which is excruciatingly painful. The first signs of MBD are a drooping lip, curled arms, wobbly steps, foggy eyes, and poor appetite. Minor cases can be reversed in a few months. Severe cases of MBD take much longer, depending on deformities and how far along the disease is. Severe MBD causes major deformities, usually presenting in the mouth, spine, ilium, legs, and arms. In many extreme cases of MBD, paralyzing seizures are also possible. It is common for frogs experiencing MBD to squeak in pain when touched or release toxins in intense pain. Similarly, a vitamin A deficiency can display many of the same symptoms and is treated with supplements.