Red eyed tree frog is most recognized by its bright green skin, orange feet and bulging red eyes. A healthy red eyed tree frog is easy to spot, as they are colorful, alert and quite the impressive jumpers. If you have one as a pet, you should know the signs of a healthy red eyed tree frog.
It’s in the Eyes
When you see a healthy red eyed tree frog, the first thing you notice is its bright red eyes. The eyes should be alert and not appear to be cloudy. If you notice any alteration in eye color or brightness, the frog may have Cloudy Eye or there could be an underlying problem, such as immune system failure.
Check the Skin
Signs of a healthy red eyed tree frog are apparent on their skin. The frog’s skin should be bright green and free from any abrasions, discoloration or spotting. The red eyed tree frog’s skin is very delicate and can succumb to bacterial or fungal infection very easily.
A red eyed tree frog’s skin will change color to adapt to its environment, so a slight change in skin color is probably normal. If you see redness on the frog’s thighs or belly, this could be Red-leg and can be fatal.
The red eyed tree frog’s underbelly should be white to pale yellow and its sides are striped blue and yellow. Its feet should be bright orange. The skin will be moist and very porous, for this is where the frog absorbs water.
Size as a Health Indicator
The average red eyed tree frog is 2-3” long, with the male tending to be smaller than the female. They should appear at a healthy weight. They should not have obvious bulges nor should they be extremely thin. This could be the affect of disease or simply malnourishment.
Additional Healthy Signs
Further signs of a healthy red eyed tree frog include a clear nose and easy breathing. If you notice the frog struggling to breath, it may be in the advanced stages of a disease. The red eyed tree frog should be active and alert at night during its normal feeding time.
The best way to prevent your red eyed tree from getting sick is to keep its habitat very clean, provide clean water and well-supplemented food on a regular basis. Do not handle the red eyed tree frog, as they can pick up dirt, debris and bacteria from your hands.
Learn to recognize the signs of a healthy red eyed tree frog so that you will know immediately when there is a problem. The sooner you catch an illness in the frog, the better chances of its survival.