If you’ve been browsing milk frogs for sale UK, you might have stumbled upon a unique opportunity—raising milk frog tadpoles from froglet to adulthood. Whether you’re a new hobbyist or an experienced keeper wanting to experience metamorphosis first-hand, this guide has everything you need to know about raising Amazon milk frog tadpoles in the UK.
At Frogfather.co.uk, we provide healthy, captive-bred milk frog tadpoles, as well as expert care tips to ensure your tadpoles thrive from day one.
🐸 What Are Milk Frog Tadpoles?
Milk frog tadpoles are the aquatic larval stage of Trachycephalus resinifictrix, also known as the Amazon milk frog. These tadpoles eventually develop legs, absorb their tails, and transform into charming, blue-grey arboreal frogs with striking golden eyes.
They are easy to raise at home with proper equipment and care—and make a fantastic learning experience for children, classrooms, and amphibian enthusiasts.
🔍 Tadpole Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Trachycephalus resinifictrix |
| Size at hatching | 3–4 mm |
| Time to froglet | ~45–70 days (varies by temp) |
| Diet | Omnivorous (spirulina, flake, etc.) |
| Housing | Fully aquatic, clean water setup |
| Temperature | 24–27°C |
| Difficulty level | Beginner-friendly |
🏠 Setting Up a Tadpole Rearing Tank
1. Tank Size
- A 20-litre tub or aquarium works well for 10–20 tadpoles.
- Use a shallow, wide tank to maximise oxygen surface area.
2. Water Conditions
- Use dechlorinated or RO water.
- Maintain pH between 6.5–7.5.
- Partial water changes (20–30%) every few days.
- Add indian almond leaf or a touch of tannin for health benefits.
3. Filtration and Aeration
- Gentle sponge filter recommended to avoid sucking up tiny tadpoles.
- Air stones help increase oxygen.
4. Temperature
- Use a preset aquarium heater to maintain 24–27°C.
- Tadpoles grow faster at slightly warmer temperatures.
🍽️ What Do Milk Frog Tadpoles Eat?
Milk frog tadpoles are omnivores and easy to feed:
✅ Recommended Foods:
- Crushed algae wafers
- Spirulina powder
- Fish flakes (no added salt)
- Boiled, mashed vegetables (peas, spinach)
- Bloodworms or daphnia (older tadpoles only)
Feed small amounts twice a day, removing any uneaten food within a few hours to avoid fouling the water.
🔄 Metamorphosis Stages
- Days 1–10: Free-swimming; feeding begins
- Days 10–30: Growth and hind leg development
- Days 30–45: Front legs appear; body starts lifting
- Days 45–70: Tail absorbed; froglet climbs out of water
🐸 Transition to Land:
- Offer cork bark, suction cup ledges, or floating platforms.
- Lower water depth gradually to allow climbing out.
- Move to a humid holding container once tail is gone.
🌿 Housing Froglets
Once metamorphosed, your froglets will need:
- Small plastic terrariums or faunariums with damp paper towel or moss
- Temperature: 24–26°C; Humidity: 70–80%
- Pinhead crickets, springtails, and fruit flies dusted with calcium
They’re fragile at this stage, so avoid overhandling and ensure easy access to water and food.
✅ Why Buy Tadpoles Instead of Frogs?
- Educational: See the transformation up close
- Cost-effective: Tadpoles are cheaper than froglets
- Bonding: Raise them yourself, giving them the best start
- Availability: Easier to find tadpoles during breeding season
Where to Buy Milk Frog Tadpoles in the UK
You can find captive-bred milk frog tadpoles for sale UK-wide at:
✅ Frogfather.co.uk – Healthy Tadpoles with UK Shipping Options
✅ Specialist amphibian breeders
✅ Facebook groups and exotic classifieds
Check before buying:
- Captive-bred status (CB or CBB preferred)
- Health guarantee
- Advice on shipping methods (DEFRA-compliant if needed)
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are milk frog tadpoles easy to raise?
Yes! They’re much easier than dart frogs and thrive with good water quality and basic care.
❓ Can milk frog tadpoles live together?
Yes. They are social and non-aggressive when raised in groups. Just avoid overstocking.
❓ How long until they become froglets?
Most will metamorphose in 6–10 weeks, depending on temperature and diet.
❓ Do I need a filter?
A sponge filter or regular water changes are essential. Dirty water kills tadpoles quickly.
❓ Can they live in tap water?
Only if treated with dechlorinator or conditioned overnight. Never use untreated tap water.
📦 Tadpole Buyer Tips (UK)
- Ask sellers how old the tadpoles are.
- Get a rough timeline for metamorphosis.
- Check if courier delivery or collection is available.
- Ask what food they’ve been raised on for a smooth transition.
Final Thoughts: Should You Raise Milk Frog Tadpoles?
If you’re looking for an engaging, low-stress project, raising milk frog tadpoles in the UK is both rewarding and educational. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or exotic pet enthusiast, you’ll love watching the magical process unfold.
Buy with confidence from a responsible UK seller and set up your tadpole tank with care—and you’ll soon be welcoming vibrant, bouncing froglets into your home.
