[Guest]

Hi All,

First, I'd like to say I'm glad this forum exists, since I live in France, and very few people to find and talk about dendrobates in here. Shops are scarce, and people are more snake-oriented to give advices.

I'd like to start with dendros, but as I said above, it's a bit difficult for me to find people really confronted to their raising. So far I only rely on books, and find sometimes opposite opinions.

Here's my idea, and all comments from you will be welcomed with your own experiences.
I plan to have first a couple, then up to 4 leucs, which seems to be an esay specie to start with : they're bold (and won't hide all day long), can live in group (4 is a small group !), are climbers (and I plan to have some high sports in my vivarium.

The vivarium will be something like 90 * 40 * 70 (centimeters, I'm French !), something like 50/60 gallons (?). I read that 20 gallons for a couple is fair ?

I plan to have a waterfall, some high spots on the two sides of the viva, and some water at the bottom.

My principal concern is about feeding. How difficult is it to have them fed and having some days off ??? They seem to be so big eaters, it seems you can't leave them alone for more than 2 days...

As a matter of fact, I'll leave other posts soon, since I really want to make up my mind into what I'm gonna start, and learn as much as possible before I actually start.

 

[Homer]

Welcome, Toshi! Let me say, your English is exceptonal!

Leucs are a great species to start with, IMHO. As you have noted, feeding darts is the most tricky part--keeping enough cultures going to consistently have enough food. Most of us culture fruit flies, and you can find some good recipes and techniques around here or just ask.

When leucs are small, I would recommend feeding every day, as their metabolism is fast. However, in my experience, leucs tend to get rather heavy with daily feeding once they mature. I often go 2 days between feeding or feed very lightly, as they will pack on the weight rapidly once mature. However, I would not recommend going any longer than that without feeding.

Your tank sounds great, but I would keep the juveniles in a simple 10 gallon setup for at least a few months so you can closely monitor them and ensure that they are eating well. Other than that, it sounds like you have researched well.

All the best!

 

[Guest]

However, in my experience, leucs tend to get rather heavy with daily feeding once they mature. I often go 2 days between feeding or feed very lightly, as they will pack on the weight rapidly once mature.

I wish somoene would have told me this awhile back

I have some extremely hefty leucs that aren't even a year old, they're a little smaller than my 14 month (or so) old Cobalt Tincs and maybe weight as much.


-Tad

 

[kyle1745]

Ya my leucs are HUGE, and I have really backed off the feedings. I am also thinking about going to every other day feedings.

However, in my experience, leucs tend to get rather heavy with daily feeding once they mature. I often go 2 days between feeding or feed very lightly, as they will pack on the weight rapidly once mature.

I wish somoene would have told me this awhile back

I have some extremely hefty leucs that aren't even a year old, they're a little smaller than my 14 month (or so) old Cobalt Tincs and maybe weight as much.


-Tad

 

[kyle1745]

First welcome, second, leucs are a great starter frog and are very active and out most of the time.

 

[Ryan]

Welcome to the forum, and as homer said Great english!

There is another on this forum from france, he could give you some tips on where to purchase, and some local stuff to help you build your viv. His name on here is UrbanFrogz.

Ryan

 

[Guest]

Thanx for these answers (and comments about my English :wink: )
I take notice about not feeding the yougsters too much.

I effectively read a lot also about feeding and the variety the diet needs for a better equilibrium. My search now are more oriented on how to leave them at least one week (Yes, I sometimes take holidays, sorry ) ; I found methods like putting a jar full with fruitflies larvaes ready to mute into flies, and a hole at the end to enable the flies going out as they grow up. But I don't know if it's really reliable, and how long you can expect this to work.

Maybe this subject of "remote" feeding should be part of another post ?
But in case you have comments...

Thanx for the quick answers yesterday ; seems like all of you are really dedicated to sharing this hobby of yours !

 

[Guest]

If you are going to be gone more than 3 days... find someone to feed your frogs. 3 is much to long for froglets (so I'd say if your going to be gone more than a day and you have froglets, find someoen to feed them for you).


-Tad

 

[Homer]

Thanx for these answers (and comments about my English :wink: )
I take notice about not feeding the yougsters too much.

I may not have been clear with what I said (sorry): feed the youngsters everyday. When they are actively growing, lots of food is better than too little. When full grown, the leucs tend to put on weight and can go a day or two between feeding.

Good luck.

 

[Guest]

I may not have been clear with what I said (sorry): feed the youngsters everyday.

... No need for that ! My mistake... I read quickly your reply at work, and kind of mixed the things. Now that I read it again, it's clear to me that the meaning was "feeding the youngsters every day", and less for the matures if you don't want overweighted frogs...