Complete Guide to Keeping American Green Tree Frogs as Pets

Introduction to American Green Tree Frogs

When choosing a frog as a pet, many gravitate towards popular species like the large, placid White’s tree frog (Litoria caerulea) or the iconic Red Eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidryas). However, the American green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) offers a delightful alternative for keepers wanting a less common but hardy and charming pet. Native to the subtropical southeast United States, from North Carolina to Florida and Louisiana, these medium-sized arboreal frogs average around 1.5 inches and live 5-7 years in captivity. They display vibrant apple green colouring with speckled white or yellow dots and a cream lateral band along the sides, with colour variation influenced by environment. Unique morphs like albino and turquoise-blue are prized among enthusiasts.

These frogs are nocturnal, spending days hidden in foliage and becoming very active at dusk, producing high-pitched mating calls detectable in captivity and triggered by environmental noises. Their ability to communicate through complex vocalisations adds to their appeal.

Creating the Ideal Captive Habitat

Step 1: Choosing the Enclosure

American green tree frogs thrive in tall, arboreal-style terrariums that provide ample climbing space. A minimum of 40 litres (just under 10 gallons) is appropriate for an adult pair, but larger is always better to prevent territorial competition. Secure mesh lids prevent escape and maintain ventilation.

Step 2: Furnishing the Terrarium

Incorporate naturalistic elements like cork branches, Mopani wood, vines, and plants to simulate their natural habitat. Use artificial plants if preferred for easy cleaning; live plants help maintain humidity and aesthetic value. For live plants, ensure they are safe for amphibians and rinse soil of any chemicals before planting in substrates such as coco humus, orchid bark, or organic moss. Add cork or coco fibre panels to enhance climbing surfaces and humidity retention.

Step 3: Water and Humidity

Provide a shallow water dish about 1cm deep to allow soaking without drowning risk. Treat all water with amphibian-safe conditioners to remove toxic chemicals. Daily cleaning of water is essential to prevent bacterial growth and skin infections. Maintain terrarium humidity between 50-70% through daily misting or automated systems.

Step 4: Temperature and Lighting

Maintain ambient temperatures at 21-23C (70-73F) with a basking spot around 25C (77F), using thermostatically controlled heat mats or low-wattage bulbs. Night temperatures can drop to about 20C (68F). UV lighting isn't mandatory but a low-output daylight UV tube for up to 8 hours during UK summer months (May-August) may support breeding cycles and plant growth.

Feeding Your American Green Tree Frog

Step 1: Live Food Variety

Provide a diet rich in live invertebrates such as small crickets, locust hoppers, flightless fruit flies, and white-bodied mini mealworms. Feed in the evening when frogs become active and remove uneaten food by morning to maintain hygiene.

Step 2: Foraging Support and Supplements

Gut-load feeder insects 12 hours before feeding with high-protein items like grated carrot, crushed cat biscuits, and flaked fish food. Dust food with amphibian-specific multivitamin and calcium/D3 supplements every other day for juveniles and twice weekly for adults.

Step 3: Treats and Quarantine

Offer occasional treats such as silkworms, butterworms, and clean earthworms to adults. Monitor frog body condition carefully; separate and quarantine underweight or bullied animals until health improves.

Breeding American Green Tree Frogs

Step 1: Gender and Maturity

Adults mature at about one year. Females are larger and plumper, while males produce loud mating calls in repeated bouts, usually from elevated perches near water.

Step 2: Environmental Triggers and Setup

Simulate spring conditions by increasing terrarium temperature by 1-2C and increasing misting frequency. Home-made rain systems mimicking natural showers can stimulate breeding behaviour.

Step 3: Amplexus and Egg Laying

Observe pairs in amplexus for hours or days. Slightly deepen water (1.5-2cm) and provide clean artificial leaves for egg attachment. Females lay 250-400 cream-coloured eggs attached to surfaces.

Step 4: Rearing Tadpoles

Transfer eggs carefully to a hatchery with treated water and aquatic plants like Canadian pond weed. Feed tadpoles specialized aquatic diets or small live foods. Metamorphosis begins after two weeks, with froglets emerging after approximately 60 days ready to be housed and fed on micro crickets and flightless fruit flies.

Conclusion

American green tree frogs are attractive, hardy, and engaging pets suitable for both beginners and experienced amphibian keepers. Providing a naturalistic, well-maintained habitat with appropriate temperature, humidity, diet, and social conditions ensures their wellbeing and longevity in captivity. Responsible acquisition from reputable breeders avoiding wild-caught specimens supports conservation and welfare.