Page 68 - Amphibian

Keeping amphibians as pets

M       
can make great pets. The key to being a responsible pet owner
is preparation and education. You should not consider keeping
an amphibian until you have done plenty of research to find
KEEPING TADPOLES
Raising tadpoles can be fun and out about the animal’s specific needs and requirements. Talk
educational—but be sure you are to someone who already keeps the species to find out exactly
prepared to care for the adult frogs!
It’s best to get tadpoles from a pet what is involved. Check the Internet for a Herpetological Society
store or other dealer rather than the nearby, and see if you can get in touch with someone to answer
wild. Check the Internet for tips.
your questions. Please note that the
guidelines here are general; you
will also need information
specific to your particular pet.

CHOOSING A PET
As amphibians tend to live for an
average of 10 to 20 years, you must
choose your pet carefully. In
general, any of the temperate
zone amphibians, such
as many types of tree
frogs, are good choices
for beginners, while
bullfrogs and tiger
salamanders require
more care.

Buy a HANDLING YOUR PET
net at Amphibians should be handled as
a pet little as possible. They can fall or
store. jump out of your hands, which can
seriously injure them. If you must
move an amphibian, use a fish net or a
small box. Wash your hands before and
after picking up your pet, to prevent FINDING A PET
either of you infecting the other. Perhaps the best way to find an amphibian is
to contact a local amphibian rescue center. Your
local animal shelter should be able to provide
Keep pets out of the wild you with contact information. You can also
buy a pet from a reputable pet store or breeder.
Look for a shop with a knowledgeable staff
If you are absolutely unable to continue to care for your and healthy-looking animals. You cannot
pet amphibian, do not under any circumstances release simply “adopt” a pet from the wild. There are
it into the wild. Not only does the animal have little chance laws protecting some or all species, as well
of survival—it can introduce diseases to native animals, as amphibian habitats. Disrupting a protected
posing a serious threat to the habitat. Contact your local habitat or taking an animal home is not
branch of the ASPCA or an amphibian rescue organization only unethical but may be illegal.
for advice. You might also advertise and sell your
amphibian through the Internet or a dealer, or find a teacher
who is willing to keep the animal as a class pet.

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