Browse Instructions
How To Raise Tadpoles
Posted By: Stacyh;
Category: Pets;
November 25, 2008
Author StacyH;
Some basics on raising tadpoles successfully.
1
Obtain a local species from a pet shop or local pond. It is best to only raise a few tadpoles at a time. If they are too crowded they may turn cannabalistic or fail to develop to maturity.
2
Prepare a container with clean, chlorine-free water. Chlorine is deadly to tadpoles. Allow water to sit in sunlight for several days or treat it with a de-chlorinator at least a day ahead. Clear, clean pond or creek water can also be used.
3
Keep water clean by replacing some with fresh, prepared water every few days. Water should not smell, be cloudy or scummy.
4
Feed tadpoles a small amount of flake fish food daily or small amounts of boiled, chilled lettuce or spinach. Gauge the amount by how much they eat. If they leave food, clean it out and feed less. If they are frantic or appear to be attacking each other, feed more or feed more often.
5
Notice that as their tails are absorbed they may eat less.
6
Once they have legs, provide a place for them to get out of the water. Provide a rock ledge, floating plants or stick.
7
Be prepared to take care of the tadpoles for several weeks up to several months, depending upon the species and time of year.
Tadpoles develop more slowly in cooler temperatures.
Tadpoles develop more slowly in cooler temperatures.
8
As they mature, graduate to feeding them a few bloodworms, which can be bought dried, either in their water or in a small dish with a bit of water to reconstitute the worms. Later, the small frogs or toads may eat small mealworms, crickets or aphids.
9
If your frog or toad is native to your area and you have no reason to suspect their release will cause damage to your local eco-system, you can release it to the wild in warm weather near a clean body of water. If you wish to keep it as a pet, adapt its habitat to its new form and needs.
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