Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Understand why dart frogs should not be routinely handled.
- Follow safe hygiene practices around amphibians.
- Prevent cross-contamination between vivariums.
- Implement proper quarantine procedures.
- Recognise risks such as chytrid fungus, bacterial infection, and environmental contamination.
Lesson Content
Dart frogs are extremely sensitive animals with permeable, absorbent skin.
Handling, poor hygiene, and cross-contamination can introduce pathogens or chemicals that compromise their health.
This lesson teaches keepers how to minimise risks by practicing strict biosecurity, safe feeding practices, and responsible hygiene.
1. Why Dart Frogs Should Not Be Handled
Dart frog skin absorbs substances easily — including:
- oils
- sweat
- soap residue
- hand sanitiser
- lotions or perfumes
- cleaning chemicals
Handling can also cause:
- stress
- skin damage
- escape attempts
- accidental injury
Handling should be limited to:
- tank transfers
- inspections for injury
- emergency situations
Always use tools when possible.
2. Safe Handling Procedures
When handling is necessary:
A) Wash hands thoroughly
- with warm water
- no soap residue
- rinse for 20–30 seconds
B) Moisten hands before touching frogs
Dry skin can damage frogs’ mucous layers.
C) Avoid tight grip
Hold gently and close to the ground or tank.
D) Use tools where possible:
- soft catch cups
- deli cups
- small nets (very soft mesh only)
Tools reduce direct skin contact.
3. Biosecurity Between Tanks
Cross-contamination is one of the biggest risks in amphibian keeping.
You must:
- Use separate feeding tools for each tank
- Wash hands between vivariums
- Avoid sharing leaf litter or substrate
- Sterilise catch cups between uses
- Avoid transferring plants or hardscape between tanks without sterilisation
Even healthy frogs can carry silent pathogens.
4. Quarantine Procedures
All new frogs should be quarantined before introducing them to established groups.
Quarantine Duration:
6–12 weeks
Quarantine Setup:
- simple, easy-to-clean enclosure
- paper towels or simple substrate
- hides and basic plants
- separate feeding tools
- daily observation
- frequent cleaning
Quarantine allows you to monitor:
- appetite
- stool quality
- weight
- hydration
- behaviour
If problems occur, treatment is far easier in a simple setup.
5. Pathogen Awareness
Dart frogs are vulnerable to several pathogens:
Chytrid fungus (Bd/Bsal)
- causes skin thickening
- leads to poor hydration and death
- transmitted via contaminated tools or amphibians
Bacterial infections
Often caused by dirty conditions or contaminated feeders.
Parasites
Can be introduced from wild feeders or unquarantined frogs.
Chemical contamination
Occurs from:
- aerosols
- cleaning sprays
- scented candles
- paint fumes
Always keep vivariums in a clean-air environment.
6. Cleanliness Practices
Do:
- clean feeder culture spills
- remove uneaten food after 10–15 minutes
- rinse leaves or hardscape if severe waste builds up
- keep misting bottles clean
- avoid storing chemicals near vivariums
Avoid:
- using detergents inside vivariums
- fogging glass with chemical cleaners
- over-cleaning substrate (disrupts bioactive cycle)
Bioactive systems rely on balance, not sterility.
7. When to Involve a Veterinarian
Seek specialist exotic vet advice when frogs show:
- persistent lethargy
- inability to climb or jump normally
- bloating (possible edema)
- sudden loss of appetite
- skin lesions
- abnormal shedding
- abnormal stools
- significant behavioural change
Early veterinary care saves lives.
Key Takeaways
- Dart frogs should not be handled routinely due to sensitive skin.
- Biosecurity is essential to prevent disease spread between tanks.
- Quarantine new frogs for 6–12 weeks.
- Avoid chemical contaminants near vivariums.
- Use dedicated tools and safe hygiene practices.
- Monitor frog behaviour and health daily.
