9 Essential Tips for Successfully Keeping White's Tree Frogs

Thinking about getting a White’s tree frog? I don’t blame you — they’re adorable, hardy, and surprisingly low-maintenance for amphibians. We’ve had a few over the years, and they’ve been some of the most chill pets we’ve kept. But like any pet, they do have specific needs. So here’s what really matters when it comes to keeping a White’s tree frog happy and healthy — without all the fluff.

Why White’s Tree Frogs Make Great Pets

White’s tree frogs (also called dumpy tree frogs — yes, that’s a real name!) are native to Australia and nearby regions. They’re hardy little guys and can put up with a lot more variation in temperature and humidity than most other frogs. That makes them perfect if you’re new to amphibians.

They usually grow to 3–5 inches long, live up to 16 years (sometimes more), and come in beautiful shades of green, blue, or gray. They even change color a bit depending on light and mood — it’s like mood rings, but frog-shaped.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

The frog itself might only cost you $30–$50 from a pet store or breeder. But setting up their home is where most of your budget goes.

Here’s the basic setup:

• Tall glass terrarium (20 gallons minimum for one adult, more for multiples)
• Tight-fitting lid (they’re climbers!)
• Heat source (75–85°F during the day, slightly cooler at night)
• Humidity control (60–70% is ideal)
• Substrate like chemical-free soil, bark, or sphagnum moss
• Branches, vines, live or fake plants for climbing
• Shallow water dish with dechlorinated water

Expect to spend around $200–$250 upfront, especially if you’re starting from scratch.

Feeding and Nutrition

White’s tree frogs are insectivores. Crickets are the go-to — they’re cheap, easy to find, and your frog will love them. You can also add in roaches, worms, or the occasional moth for variety.

Feeding basics:

• Juveniles: daily
• Adults: every 2–3 days
• Gut-load insects before feeding
• Dust with calcium + vitamin D3 (every feeding for young frogs, every other for adults)

Be careful not to overfeed — these frogs love to eat and can get chunky fast. If you notice saggy ridges above their ears, it’s time to cut back.

Handling Tips

They’re generally okay with gentle handling, especially during the day when they’re less active. But their skin is super sensitive, so always wash your hands thoroughly and rinse with dechlorinated water before touching them. Better yet, use clean gloves.

Never handle them with lotion, soap residue, or bug spray on your hands — that can be toxic.

Enclosure Care and Cleaning

Daily:

• Change water
• Spot-clean poop and leftover insects

Every 2–3 months:

• Full substrate change and tank deep-clean (use amphibian-safe cleaners)

If you stay on top of daily cleaning, deep cleans don’t need to happen too often.

Heating, Lighting, and Humidity

These frogs come from warm, humid environments. Try to mimic that with:

• Temps: 75–85°F daytime, 65–75°F nighttime
• Humidity: 60–70% (use a hygrometer to check)
• Misting: Daily with dechlorinated or bottled water

They don’t need UVB lighting, but it can help with vitamin D production and improve color. A simple 12–14 hour daylight cycle using a lamp is enough.

Social Life and Tankmates

White's tree frogs are fine living solo or with others, as long as everyone is about the same size. A big frog might see a smaller one as a snack (yep, cannibalism happens). Don’t house them with other frog species — different frogs have different needs and can stress each other out.

Choosing a Healthy Frog

Always buy from a reputable breeder or pet shop that specializes in amphibians. Wild-caught frogs are more likely to carry diseases and are harder to care for in captivity.

What to look for in a healthy frog:

• Clear eyes
• Smooth, even skin color
• No swelling or redness
• Active and alert (especially at night)

Avoid any frog that looks lethargic or has patchy skin or a reddish belly — those could be signs of illness.

The Bottom Line

White’s tree frogs are pretty forgiving pets, which is part of why we love them. Once you get their environment right, they’re easy to feed, fun to watch (especially at night), and live a long time with proper care. If you’re ready for a pet that’s a little different — and not too demanding — they’re a great pick.

Just be prepared to invest in a good setup from the start, and you’ll have a happy, hoppy little buddy for years to come.