5 Surprisingly Affordable Frogs You Can Easily Keep as Pets

Inexpensive Pet Frogs

Cost might be a major consideration when thinking about adopting an exotic pet into your house, particularly for people who are unfamiliar with herpetology. Among other exotic pets, frogs are particularly affordable and provide an array of interesting possibilities. Certain kinds of frogs are less expensive to buy, set up, and maintain than others, but it’s important to keep in mind that no pet is really “cheap” when long-term care is taken into account. Here, we look at five frogs that may be kept as affordable pets without sacrificing the fun factor.

Overview of Affordable Pet Frogs

5. The Australian green tree frog, or White’s tree frog (Litoria caerulea)

Both new and experienced frog keepers have a soft spot for the White’s tree frog, often called the Australian green tree frog. Despite having the highest starting cost on our list, this species has a number of benefits that, over time, may make it a cost-effective option. These sturdy, gregarious frogs, who are native to Australia and New Guinea, are distinguished by their vivid green colour and placid disposition. Because of their versatility and appeal as pets, they may also be found in many other countries of the globe.

With a maximum length of 4 inches, White’s tree frogs are among the biggest of the frogs that are often kept as pets. When planning a budget for their care, keep in mind that, due to their size and robust construction, they need a larger environment than smaller species. These frogs are a wonderful option for novices since, in spite of their larger size, they need little care and are resilient. Due to their lengthy lifespan—up to 15 years—and the ability to stretch out the initial expense of their maintenance over a number of years, they end up being more economical over time.

A White’s tree frog usually costs between $30 and $40 at first purchase, which is more than some other species on this list. But this is somewhat offset by their hardiness and very low maintenance needs, which makes them an excellent choice for anybody searching for a manageable and entertaining pet.

4. The Hubby/Banded Bullfrog (Kaloula pulchra)

The banded bullfrog, also referred to as the “chubby frog,” is a cute little frog with a lot of appeal at a reasonable price. These frogs are indigenous to Southeast Asia and belong to the family Microhylidae, which is distinguished by its short lips. The adorable spherical body of the fat frog, which is highlighted by the light brown bands running down its sides, gives rise to its moniker.

Despite their small size—they are usually 2 to 3 inches long—chubby frogs are renowned for their resilience. They are resilient animals that can survive in a range of environments, despite their size. Although they do have certain special traits to be mindful of, they are generally simple to care for. For instance, as a protective tactic, they may expand their bodies to seem bigger and produce a minor poison from their skin when attacked. Although intriguing, these behaviours suggest that fat frogs should only be handled sparingly, more like a look-but-don’t-touch pet.

The affordable price of the fat frog is one of its best features. These frogs are an affordable alternative for anybody wishing to add a frog to their collection, since they only cost around $20 at first. Their compact size also makes it possible to maintain them in more affordable enclosures, such a 15–20 gallon tank, which lowers the total cost of ownership. Chubby frogs, which may live up to ten years, strike a nice balance between cost and the pleasure of having a pet for a long time.

3. The Dyscophus genus of tomato frog

Another great option for people looking for a reasonably priced and eye-catching pet frog are tomato frogs, which are distinguished by their vivid red or orange colouring. There are three species of tomato frogs in the Dyscophus genus, and they are all indigenous to Madagascar. These frogs are renowned for their appealing look and simple maintenance needs. They are rather small, usually reaching lengths of 2 to 4 inches.

Beginners are especially drawn to tomato frogs because of their modest care requirements. Being ambush predators, they usually remain motionless until their prey approaches before making a move. They are simple to take care of because of this behaviour and their typically peaceful disposition, which means they don’t need frequent touch or attention. Like the fat frog, tomato frogs may release a little poison in response to danger, which some individuals may find irritating to their skin. If you want to handle your frog regularly, keep this in mind.

Tomato frogs are reasonably priced, usually costing between $15 and $20. Their environment may be kept more affordable by housing them in tiny to medium-sized containers, such a 20-gallon tank. Tomato frogs are an affordable choice that provide the satisfaction of owning a vibrant and fascinating pet without breaking the budget, with a lifetime of 6 to 10 years.

2. Toads with fire bellies (Bombina genus)

The fire-bellied toad, while not strictly a frog, is a close cousin that merits a place on our list because of its low cost and simple maintenance. Like frogs, all toads are members of the Anura order, and the fire-bellied toad is no different. These little frogs, which are indigenous to regions of Europe and Asia, are distinguished by their vivid crimson or orange bellies, which alert predators to their disagreeable taste.

The tiniest amphibians on this list are fire-bellied toads, which may reach a maximum length of just 1.5 inches. They are a great option for both novice and seasoned keepers due to their hardiness and ease of maintenance, despite their small size. Since they are also quite gregarious and thrive in groups, it is often advised to keep two or more of them together. They may need a little more upkeep at first, but because of their modest size and low maintenance needs, the total cost stays cheap.

Fire-bellied toads are among the least expensive alternatives available, with a single one costing as little as $5 to $10. They do well in 20-gallon, semi-aquatic cages that are simple to put up and maintain at a low cost. Fire-bellied toads are an affordable, long-term pet choice that are entertaining to watch and intriguing to learn about, and they may survive for many years with the right care.

1. The South American Horned Frog, or Pac-Man Frog (Ceratophrys genus)

The Pac-Man frog, sometimes called the South American horned frog, is the most affordable pet frog on the list. Pac-Man frogs, so named because of their rounded bodies and wide lips that look like the figures from video games, are popular in the pet trade because of their unique look and minimal maintenance needs. The genus Ceratophrys has eight species, all of which are indigenous to South America.

With a usual length of 3 to 5 inches, Pac-Man frogs are bigger than many other species on this list. They should be kept apart because of their ravenous appetites, which cause them to devour almost everything that fits in their jaws, even other frogs. They don’t need a big enclosure because of their sluggish lifestyle; a 10-gallon tank will generally suffice.

A Pac-Man frog typically costs $15 to $20 at first, which is a little more than some other species. But with time, they become a highly cost-effective pet due to their minimal confinement requirements and low maintenance care needs. Pac-Man frogs, which may live up to ten years, are the finest option for those who want to own an exotic pet without having to make a big financial commitment since they provide the best value in terms of cost, maintenance needs, and longevity.

Key Characteristics and Maintenance of Affordable Pet Frogs

Comparative Costs and Lifespan of Popular Pet Frogs