Common Frog (Rana Temporaria )

The Common Frog is easily our most recognisable amphibian. They’re found throughout world, in almost any habitat where suitable breeding ponds are nearby. Common Frogs have smooth skin and long legs for jumping away quickly. Garden ponds are extremely important for common frogs, particularly in urban areas.

Identification

·        Adult’s males grow up to 9 cm in length and females up to 13 cm in length.

·        Usually a shade of olive-green or brown (although can be yellow, pink, red, lime-green, cream or black)

·        Dark patches on the back, stripes on the hind legs, and a dark ‘mask’ behind the eye

·        Soft repetitive croak

Catch and handle

Using a simple net is generally the easiest way to catch a frog

One way is to use a small dip net, the rectangular kind sold as aquarium nets in pet stores. Dampen the net, and shoo the animal into the net.

Scoop him up In your moist Hands

Another way to handle your amphibian is to moisten your hands and scoop the animal up in your hands and restrain him gently.

Beware of absorbing skin

If you have perfume, insecticide, hand lotion, or even soap residue on your hands and you handle an amphibian, the frog will absorb whatever is on your skin, perhaps with fatal results.

Frogs are easily stressed…but it’s Hard to Tell

Stress is one of the most important and misunderstood concepts. While some frogs will leap away when threatened, many instinctively freeze.

Inexperienced owners often misinterpret the lack of vigorous protest as an “acceptance” of handling.

However, be assured that your pet’s stress hormones are surging, and that this will have a effect on its immune system.

How Would You Know a Frog is Sick

·        sitting out in the open during the daytime (such as in the middle of a lawn or on a road or driveway)

·        very thin

·        Extremes of colour such as very pale or very dark or weird shades like red, khaki, etc.

·        lumps, abscesses, lesions or other types of holes or tears in the skin

·        doesn't hop properly or is very weak when it tries to move

·        red or pink flush or 'pimples' on the belly (ventral surface)

·        freckles, blotches, pale spots or black patches on the back or legs (other than those which might naturally occur on the species)

·        is producing a very slimy coating on the body without trying to rub the coating forward with its arms or legs

How to record your observations

In your daily flow sheet, and or a cage card, and animals/owners file in file system

Recorded findings Such as eating, drinking, defecating or vomiting

Sickness and illness

Diet plan and if a breading plan

OH&S issues

Slips and falls, frogs are very moist creatures, and need a lot of water

Zoonotic disease can be passed from frog to human such as. Mycobacteriosis and Chlamydiosis

Equipment for handling

·        Gloves

·        Water spray bottle

·        Enclosure container

·        Small pet fish net

To help maintain frogs health

NETTEX FROG HEALTH

Powerful anti-bacterial and anti-septic agents that help dry and reduce discharge from the frog

Will help maintain a healthy sole and frog all year round

Maintaining a healthy frog will help prevent infection

What to do with equipment after use

·        Gloves can get thrown in the bin

·        Water bowls can get washed or replaced

·        Disinfect fish net

·        Store away water bottle and FROG HEALTH

·        Keep enclosure clean

Bibliography

http://menaivet.com.au/pet-care-info/frog-care

http://www.froglife.org/amphibians-and-reptiles/common-frog-2/

http://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/enjoying-your-reptile/how-to-handle-an-amphibian

http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptileblog/2014/06/22/frogs-toads-make-good-pets-five-points-consider-buying/#.V0JuSJF96hc

http://www.frogsafe.org.au/disease/symptoms_frog.shtml

http://www.virginia.edu/vpr/iacuc/docs/Frog.pdf

http://www.nettexequine.com/products/hoofcare/frog-health