Welcome to the Final Step: Delivery Day!
You’ve done your research, set up your vivarium, chosen your frogs — and now it’s time for the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) part of the journey: receiving live dart frogs by courier.
This guide walks you through exactly what to expect when your frogs arrive, how to unbox them safely, and how to make their transition as stress-free as possible. Whether this is your first time or your fifteenth, this checklist will help ensure a smooth handover and build your confidence.
How Dart Frog Courier Delivery Works (UK Only)
At Frogfather, we use DEFRA-registered amphibian couriers who specialise in transporting live animals safely, legally, and with minimal stress. This isn’t a standard parcel delivery — it’s a carefully coordinated, climate-controlled process.
Key features of our courier service:
- Delivered by BCS, Ridgeway, or DMS Animal Couriers
- £60 flat rate to most UK addresses
- Typical delivery within 2–3 weeks, depending on route and location
- Climate-aware transport: no cold vans or overheated delays
- You’ll receive a courier confirmation ahead of delivery
📍 Live in Kent? You may be eligible for local vivarium delivery — flat rate, mileage-based.
24 Hours Before Delivery: Final Setup Checklist
Before your frogs arrive, make sure your vivarium is in ideal condition. A rushed setup can cause stress-related illness or refusal to feed. Use this checklist to prepare:
✅ Vivarium has cycled for at least 2–4 weeks
✅ Substrate is seeded with springtails and isopods
✅ Humidity is stable at 80–100%
✅ Temperature is holding at 22–25°C
✅ Lighting and misting systems are running on schedule
✅ Hides and foliage are in place for cover
📦 Pro Tip: If you’re using our Bioactive Vivarium Kit, most of this is already sorted.
On the Day of Arrival
✅ What You’ll Receive
Each frog arrives in a clearly labelled container:
- Sturdy cup with ventilation and moist paper towel
- Packaged in an insulated box with Live Animal labels
- Morph IDs and care notes included when needed
- If part of a larger order, frogs may be grouped by species in divided packaging
🚚 Receiving the Delivery
- Be home during the confirmed window
- Bring the box inside immediately
- Do not open in direct sunlight or cold rooms
- Handle containers with clean, wet hands or gloves
- Place the container in a quiet room and allow to rest for 15–30 minutes
Step-by-Step Unboxing Instructions
Unboxing should be done calmly and gently, avoiding noise or bright light:
1. Wash Your Hands
No soap, lotion, or sanitiser residue — amphibians absorb toxins through their skin.
2. Open the Outer Box Indoors
A warm room (21–24°C) with no draughts is ideal. Open the outer packaging and locate your frog(s).
3. Rest the Container
Allow the inner container to sit for 15–30 minutes so the frog acclimates to room temperature.
4. Transfer the Frog
Gently tip the frog out onto a plant, leaf litter, or cork bark inside the vivarium. Avoid using your hands unless absolutely necessary.
5. Leave the Lights Off
Keep the enclosure dim or dark for the first 6–12 hours to let the frog adjust. Mist lightly if needed.
First 24–48 Hours: What’s Normal?
Expect a quiet start. Even confident species will hide and take time to explore.
- Frogs may hide constantly in the leaf litter or behind plants.
- You may not see them eat right away — this is typical.
- Expect them to settle within 2–3 days, sometimes longer.
If using Repashy Calcium Plus and dusted fruit flies, offer a few after the first day. Feed in the evening when humidity peaks.
🐸 Curious why your frog is hiding? Read: Why Is My Dart Frog Hiding All the Time?
Common Concerns (And Why They’re Usually Okay)
“They’re not moving much!”
→ Many frogs stay motionless during early acclimation. If breathing appears steady and posture is upright, it’s normal.
“They dove into a hide and vanished!”
→ Hiding is instinctive. You may not see them again for a day or two.
“They’re not feeding yet.”
→ No need to worry. It’s common for new arrivals to skip meals during the first 48 hours.
“I think shipping stressed them.”
→ Our DEFRA-registered couriers are trained to minimise stress. Sluggishness often passes by the second day.
Morph-Specific Notes (Optional but Useful)
Different morphs may behave differently:
- Ranitomeya variabilis: Often call sooner, stay higher in bromeliads, may settle quickly if tank resembles native structure
- Dendrobates tinctorius: Tend to stay low and under cover for longer; expect delayed feeding
- Ameerega pepperi: Very shy at first but loud callers later — may require extra plant cover
When to Contact Us
Rarely needed — but if any of the following occur, please get in touch via our contact form or call 07466 057301:
🚨 Frog arrives unresponsive, upside down, or limp
🚨 Container is damaged or leaking
🚨 No activity or feeding within 72 hours
🚨 Obvious injury or wound
We’ll help troubleshoot and, if needed, work with the courier on next steps.
Final Tips for a Smooth Start
✅ Don’t handle the frog unnecessarily
✅ Keep misting and temperature consistent
✅ Monitor poop and appetite after 3 days
✅ Log observations — some owners note weight or location
✅ Avoid introducing new tankmates for at least a week
Once settled, you’ll start seeing normal activity: exploring, calling, feeding, and marking territory. This is when your new frog truly becomes part of your bioactive ecosystem.
