Amphibians

May 23 2021

Turtles as Pets

On May 23, designated World Turtle Day, the American Tortoise Rescue brings awareness to the humane treatment of reptiles in particular by celebrating turtles and tortoises.

Recognition of this day ranges from dressing like turtles and wearing green summer dresses to actively rescuing turtles stranded in the middle of highways. The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group creates lesson plans to send to schools so children become more educated on how to better care for turtles.

Across the globe, six out of the seven species of sea turtle carry an endangered classification, and three are considered critically endangered, including the loggerhead. Of all turtle species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers 161 of 356 known species critically endangered.

What can you do to protect endangered turtles?

Avoid products made from tortoiseshell, the largest threat to hawksbill tortoises. Ask the store owner, and get to know how to recognize authentic shell materials.

Work to reduce the carbon footprint you leave behind, such as unplugging your devices. Even shut off, they can require energy which contributes to global warming. Another method includes eat local, in-season food which reduces the need to transport groceries from other places.

Remove any trash you see from beaches, and avoid plastic items like grocery bags, bottles, and straws. These become traps for ocean life who mistake it for food and eat it. Plastic bags or balloons can tangle around their legs, shells, and necks, making them unable to swim to escape predators.

Look for sunscreen brands that promote “reef friendly” materials and avoid those with oxybenzone. The chemicals can pollute the sand and water, damaging their natural habitat. Even lawn products have by-products that get into the groundwater, eventually making it to the ocean.

Only eat sustainably caught seafood that doesn’t leave nets or fishing lines in the water. These can easily amputate flippers and wrap around their necks.

For those wondering if turtles make good pets, take care with young children who can be too aggressive in handling them, leading to pet stress. Water turtles can also transmit salmonella to children, endangering their health. Research the species to make sure their tank is large enough for their needs. Water filtration systems will make keeping their water clean less labor-intensive, then add any basking lights for warmth. Turtles, if properly cared for, can live a long time in captivity – 30 or 50 years, or even longer!

March 18 2021

How do I Teach My Child to Care for their Pet Frog?

Amphibians, Aquarium Pets, Frogs

Amphibians, like frogs and toads, make wonderful indoor pets, especially as a first pet for a child (so long as they have the right adult support). A mostly hands-off pet, they do require a high standard of care across their nutrition, housing, and health maintenance. Doing these things can mean a long and happy life. Here’s what you should know before bringing one home for your child.

Perhaps the most important characteristic is to know they are not the pet you cuddle or handle frequently, but the one you appreciate from a distance. When you need to handle them, use a moistened glove made of latex or vinyl as the residue from soaps, sunscreens, and lotions can irritate their skin. Also, some frogs secrete toxins through their skin which might irritate human skin. Institute a look, don’t touch approach, especially with young children.

Should you get a toad or a frog? Generally speaking, toads have dry skin with warts and short legs, while frogs’ skin is smooth. Their habitats differ greatly, though, with toads preferring dry land and frogs preferring to be near or submerged in water.

What do you feed them? Depending on the species, anything from fruit flies and crickets to large mice or rodents. Frogs need high-quality protein which comes from animal-based fatty acids. Crickets can be dusted with vitamin or mineral supplements to compensate for the lack of nutrients, to prevent metabolic bone disease.

For a good beginner frog, stay away from too-exotic varieties such as Pacman frogs or Poison Dart frogs. Bullfrogs can be easy to catch, but need large cages to provide room for exercising their strong back legs. However, frogs generally make low-maintenance, low-cost (no vet bills or vaccinations), safe (no biting), easy-to-care-for pets.

A few things to note on their habitat: first, keep it out of direct sunlight. Also, place the tank away from the kitchen as cooking odors can hurt them. Take care with aerosol products (hairspray and cleaning products) which are toxic to frogs. Then simply make sure the tank is large enough to accommodate exercise with an easy-open but secured top lid. Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling them so they don’t absorb any excess soap.

With a few minor set up things like these, your child should be able to enjoy their pet frog for a long time.