The words poison dart frog and pet probably don’t seem like they go together. Yet, there are people who keep these vibrantly colored frogs in their homes. Since “poison” is in the name, having these frogs in captivity might seem like a huge risk to the humans caring for them, but it might not be as dangerous as it seems.
So, is it dangerous to have a pet poison dart frog? What should you expect when caring for one?
Can You Have a Poison Dart Frog as a Pet?
Yes, it’s possible to have a poison dart frog as a pet, but I only recommend it for experienced pet parents. Sadly, many poison dart frog pets are obtained through the illegal pet trade, so I always recommend thoroughly researching the species and where to get the animals before committing to an exotic pet like this.
Also, if you’re interested in poison dart frogs as pets, make sure they’re legal where you live. Most places allow them as pets, but it’s always a good idea to check local laws first.
Can You Touch a Poison Dart Frog?
No, you should not touch poison dart frogs. Wild poison dart frogs have poison in their skin, so even lightly touching one could cause swelling, nausea, and paralysis.
That being said, poison dart frogs in captivity don’t have the same effects as wild ones (this will be explained further in the next few sections). Even so, these frogs have sensitive skin and don’t like to be handled, just like any other amphibian species. So, these pets are for admiring, not holding.
What Makes Poison Dart Frogs Poisonous?
You might be surprised to learn that poison dart frogs aren’t naturally poisonous. The frogs gain their toxicity from the critters they eat in the wild, which could include formicine ants, termites, and other small invertebrates. So, poison dart frogs on a different diet might not be toxic at all.
Are Pet Dart Frogs Poisonous?
So, are poison dart frogs poisonous in captivity? Nope! While these frogs still have the same bold colors that warn predators of poison, captive dart frogs typically aren’t poisonous. In captivity, poison dart frogs eat a different diet that doesn’t cause them to produce dangerous toxins.
While you still shouldn't handle pet frogs if you don’t have to, you can safely touch pet poison dart frogs if it's necessary. So, if you need to move your pet in an emergency, they won’t poison you. They may even be able to safely live in the same enclosure as other animals, as long as those animals share similar habitat requirements.
Poison Dart Frog Pet Care Requirements
Now that you know pet poison dart frogs aren’t poisonous, that may make them seem more appealing. You’ll no longer have to worry about getting ill by accidentally touching your pet.
However, even though captive dart frogs are harmless to humans, they’re not ideal for all pet owners. It’s hard to find a reputable source to get them from and they have unique care requirements. So, let’s take a look at some of their needs to help you decide if they’re right for you.
Poison Dart Frog Pet Enclosure
Poison dart frogs may be tiny, but like any pet, they deserve lots of space to explore. You should provide a minimum of 5 to 10 gallons of space for one poison dart frog. Of course, more space is always better if you’re able to provide it. Most poison dart frogs thrive in a warm environment (between 65 and 80°F).
You can stick to one poison dart frog or get a bigger enclosure if you want to keep multiple. However, keeping groups of dart frogs together can be tricky. Some poison dart frogs are aggressive and territorial toward other frogs.
If you want more than one dart frog, it’s best to get males. Females are more likely to become territorial with other females. You can add a female into the mix if you’re okay with the frogs reproducing. It’s best to keep only one type of poison dart frog in one enclosure.
Luckily, male and female dart frogs have some distinct differences. Males have larger toe pads on their front feet, but their bodies are smaller and more slender than female dart frogs.
What Do Poison Dart Frogs Eat?
Poison dart frogs eat various invertebrates. As pets, the most common foods are fruit flies, springtails, isopods, rice flour beetles, and week-old crickets. Since dart frogs are so small, their food needs to be tiny. They might struggle to eat any critters over a ⅛ inch.
To serve the tiny critters, put them in a deli cup with a piece of fruit to eat. The invertebrates, especially fruit flies, should stay in the cup to eat the fruit, making it easy for the frogs to eat them. Feeding usually occurs every day.
It’s best to mix up what type of invertebrates you serve your frogs. You might be able to find the food options at pet supply stores, but you may have to order them online if your local pet stores don’t carry springtails and fruit flies.
How Long Do Poison Dart Frogs Live?
In captivity, a poison dart frog lifespan is about 10 to 15 years. So, getting one is a long-term commitment. All new pet owners should be aware of this before deciding to get one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Poison Dart Frogs Good Pets?
It depends on the person. If you’re looking for a cool pet to admire and you don’t mind handling creepy crawlies, poison dart frogs might be good pets for you. However, if you want a pet you can hold and interact with, you may want to choose a different animal.
Where Can You Find a Poison Dart Frog Pet for Sale?
I always recommend checking rescues first. I got my axolotl from an exotic pet rescue, so there are definitely some unusual pets in need of a home. Otherwise, do lots of research and ask lots of questions to make sure you find a breeder that treats their animals well. Exotic pet conventions are often a great place to look.
Where Do Poison Dart Frogs Live?
Poison dart frogs are native to Central America and South America. They’re typically found in tropical rainforests in dense leaf litter and vegetation near water.
Are Poison Dart Frogs Endangered?
Some species of poison dart frogs are endangered. This is primarily due to a loss of habitat. However, it’s crucial that you only get a poison dart frog pet that was bred in captivity because some people illegally remove them from the wild, which is not okay.
Poison Dart Frogs are Unique Pets
If you’ve fallen in love with the beautiful colors of poison dart frogs, you’ve probably wondered at some point if you can have them as pets. A poison dart frog pet is realistic if you’re okay with a pet that’s for admiring, not holding.
Even though poison dart frogs aren’t poisonous in captivity, amphibians have sensitive skin. So, you should avoid touching pet poison dart frogs as much as you can. If you don’t mind having a pet that’s just for looking at, make sure you do a lot of research about where to get a poison dart frog and how to care for one before deciding to bring one home.