Tree Frog Questions, Answered (Beginner FAQ)

By The Bognook Team · written & researched by amphibian keepers🔍 Keeper-reviewed for accuracy

Tree frogs are big-eyed, charming climbers — but “tree frog” spans easy beginner species and delicate specialists, so a few answers go a long way.

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Getting started & “is this normal?”

Which tree frog is best for beginners?

White’s tree frog — chunky, calm, hardy, forgiving. American green tree frogs are great too. Red-eyed tree frogs are advanced (high humidity, cooler nights) — not a first frog.

Why is my tree frog not eating or always hiding?

They’re nocturnal — daytime hiding and stillness are normal, and they often only eat at night. If it’s genuinely off food, check temperature and humidity, and give a new frog time to settle. Offer food after dark.

My tree frog’s legs or belly look red — is it sick?

Redness underneath can be “red-leg,” a serious infection and an emergency — see a vet promptly. Don’t confuse it with normal mood/temperature colour shifts (paler or darker), which are harmless.

Is my White’s tree frog obese?

Very likely, if it has skin rolls — overfeeding is the classic White’s mistake. Feed adults every 2–3 days, not daily. A “dumpy” frog is fine; a bloated, roll-covered one needs a diet.

Setup & conditions

What tank and setup do tree frogs need?

Think tall — an arboreal vivarium (~18×18×24 in) with branches, cork bark, plants, and a shallow clean water dish.

What humidity and temperature?

Species-dependent: White’s 50–70%, red-eyed 70–90%, daytime ~75–82°F, cooler at night. Mist to hold humidity, and a low-level UVB benefits them.

Feeding & handling

What do they eat, and can I handle them?

Gut-loaded, calcium-dusted crickets are the staple (juveniles daily, adults every 2–3 days). Minimise handling — wet, clean hands only, briefly. White’s tree frogs live 10–16 years.

Why does my tree frog call so loudly at night?

That’s usually a male advertising call — normal, if occasionally loud. It often picks up with humidity changes or after misting.

💚 Pick the species that matches your experience and the rest falls into place. If you’re ever unsure whether something’s normal, asking is always the right call.

Go deeper: why does my tree frog croak so much? · my tree frog escaped — how to find it · how to raise the humidity in a frog tank · the Tree Frog care sheet · all tree frog guides.

Common questions

Which tree frog is best for beginners?

White's tree frog (Litoria caerulea) is the best beginner tree frog — chunky, calm, and forgiving. American green tree frogs are also good. Red-eyed tree frogs are beautiful but advanced, needing high humidity and precise conditions.

Why is my tree frog not eating or always hiding?

Tree frogs are nocturnal, so daytime hiding and inactivity are normal, and they often feed only at night. Not eating usually means the temperature or humidity is off, or the frog is newly settling in. Check conditions and offer food after dark.

My tree frog's legs or belly look red — is it sick?

Redness on the underside of the legs or belly can be red-leg, a serious bacterial infection and an emergency — see an exotics vet promptly. Clean, correct husbandry prevents it. Normal colour shifts (paler or darker) with mood and temperature are not the same thing.

Is my White's tree frog fat or obese?

White's tree frogs easily become overweight because keepers overfeed them. Rolls of skin and a bloated look mean cut back — feed adults every 2 to 3 days, not daily, and use appropriately sized insects.

What size tank and setup do tree frogs need?

Tree frogs climb, so go tall: an arboreal vivarium around 18x18x24 inches with sturdy branches, cork bark, and broad-leaved plants, plus a shallow clean water dish.

What humidity and temperature do tree frogs need?

It is species-dependent: White's tree frogs want about 50 to 70 percent humidity, red-eyed tree frogs 70 to 90 percent, with daytime temps around 75 to 82F and cooler nights. Mist to maintain humidity.

What do tree frogs eat, and how often?

Gut-loaded, calcium-dusted crickets are the staple, plus roaches and the occasional worm. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 2 to 3 days.

Can I handle my tree frog, and how long do they live?

Minimise handling, since their skin absorbs oils and soaps; use clean wet hands and keep it brief. White's tree frogs commonly live 10 to 16 years.