Keeping Tadpoles

This publication discusses the requirements needed to keep the tadpoles of some frogs. Particular emphasis is placed on the most common species from which tadpoles may be raised and frogs that are known to adapt well to captivity.
Frogs and tadpoles have been raised and kept in captivity for many years. However species vary widely in their ability to adapt to captivity. Tadpoles and frogs have a variety of temperature and food requirements for best growth and health, however in many cases these are not known. However most species of Australian frogs have been kept in captivity with varying degrees of success and some are very popular as pets both here and overseas.
Captive rearing is important in the conservation of frogs as captive frogs not only tell us about the biology of frogs, but may supply a valuable resource in case of extinction in the wild. It is unfortunate that the species that became extinct were not well established in captivity. Some frogs that are declining in the wild, such as Green and Golden Bell Frogs are known to make ideal pets.

How to care for tadpoles:

Collecting

• When catching tadpoles disturb the environment as little as possible and take just a few.
• Some tadpoles could take a long time to change to frogs so see if you can find some with their back legs showing. These will continue to change into frogs over the next week or so as at this stage the change to metamorph cannot stop.
• Put the tadpoles in a clean buckets (plastic bags may leak and collapse) partly filled with clean pond or creek water.

At Home

• An aerated aquarium, plastic box or tray will make a good home for your tadpoles.
• If the container is un-aerated fill it with about 3cm of water. Top up occasionally.
• Water for tadpoles must be pond water, rainwater, or if tap water left a day to get rid of chlorine. Tap water can be used immediately after using "water conditioner" from an aquarium supplier. A few old gum leaves will help condition the water.
• Feed with fish feed or dried grass. Don't put to much food in or the water may go septic.
• Water need only be changed every 2 weeks or when it goes slightly "milky" looking.
• Some small tree frogs can climb plastic and glass. Cover the container to prevent them escaping. They will certainly die if they escape inside.
• As tadpoles change to frogs they begin to breathe air. Put some rocks or pieces of old unpainted wood in the container for shelter and a place for the frogs to climb out.
• When your tadpoles change to frogs they are small and hard to feed. Release them within a few days.