Tree Frog good pet for kids?

Question

My son would like to get a tree frog for his next "friend" I have no problem with this, i wouldn't mind having it myself. I would just like to know if they make good pets for kids (my son is almost 9) or is there a better "beginner" amphibian/reptile.

thanks for all of these wonderful answers. a library trip sounds like a good place to start. I don't really want my son to play with the wee little froggy, it is more of a watching and learning pet. I chose this frog because it doesn't need a water setup with the filters and such.. I have enough of that going on in my 5 fish tanks as it is!)

Answer 1

If your son wants a tree frog, I say go for it.
If he wants one that he can handle, not have it just to look at, then I sugesst a Whites Tree Frog (aka: Dumpy Tree Frog or Smiling Tree Frog). They are a lot bigger than the regular tree frogs and require more room and work but, they can be handled and can actually learn to like their owner...

..I have one, he's the cutest little thing ever!!! He liked to be held. My niece and nephew (5 and 6) hold him all the time.

It's a good pet to learn responsibility with, you have to keep the tank humid and warm, you have to feed him every day (every 2 days when he's an adult)...I say go for it...and Enjoy...

http://allaboutfrogs.org/info/species/whites.html

here's a site with some information for them...
..you're going to end up spending a little bit of money to get the frog and set everything up, but upkeep is very simple and cheap. (at PetSmart the frog is about $22 or so...you might find some a little more or less expensive depending on where you go)

...I hope this helps...Good Luck

Answer 2

As long as you get a general one such as green or gray (usually ones common at pet stores), it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure that you both read up on how to set up an enclosure and buy everything ahead of time. He needs to wash his hands before he holds it, and they can not be held that often (they are more of a frog to watch).
To keep up humidity levels, plant some live plants in there- plus the frogs will like hiding under the leaves.

The only pain in the butt are the crickets. They will get out and you will occasionally find them around the house- really no way to avoid that. When I had tree frogs (among many other things) the frogs ate about 4-5 crickets every other day, but they were small.

The best beginner reptiles are bearded dragons, cornsnakes and leopard geckos. They tame down easy, and he can take them out and play with them more often. The best beginner frogs are those aquatic ones they sell at wal-mart, but those can not be taken out at all and need an aquarium set up.

Answer 3

I am not sure about a tree frog and their care. I do know I have many out in the yard around the flower beds. I have a friend that bought an African Clawed Albino Frog. They are an aquatic frog and she has had no problem taking care of him. He is very easy and fun to watch, plus you can put other fish in the aquarium. With not knowing about the tree frog, I though I would give you something else to look at and think about. The first link is a picture of one and the second link is about care. It mentions the African Clawed Frog and the Albino.


http://www.fish2u.com/reaf.html
http://members.aol.com/sirchin/afc.htm

Answer 4

I think it is a fine pet. You two could make it a project by going to the library and reading up on tree frogs in the wild and pet tree frogs and learning about how to care for them. It would teach him responsibility and give him a sense of being needed.

Answer 5

You can't really hold a tree frog, but they are so pretty!

My kids had a bearded dragon named Sydney (they originated in Austraila) and she was the best reptile we ever had! We've done the turtles, geckos and eeeekkkkk snakes, but Sydney was by far the best. She loved to be held and ate right out of our hands. She loved to sit on the side of the bathtub while I took a bath!

Be sure to do a bit of research first to find out how to properly care for any type of reptile. Below is a site you may find helpful.

Enjoy!

Answer 6

A Tree Frog is no good for kids My husband says. Get a Chameleon TThey are a lot of fun Read up on them first or ask a question in answers about them

Answer 7

Yea they should be ok but i havent really had one so i dont know for sure! Ask someone who has one! Do some research on different pets online and see which you like the best! Why not get a puppy?

Answer 8

it should be ok just watch he dont kill it lol