Obtaining and caring for frogs and tadpoles
Obtaining tadpoles and frogs
Commercial trade in frogs is prohibited in NSW. Pet shops are not allowed to buy or sell frogs or even to have them on their premises, but they can sell cages and other accessories that are needed by frog keepers.
Licensed frog keepers are allowed to dispose of their excess stock, such as the frogs that they breed, to other licensees. However, they are not allowed to buy and sell animals as a commercial venture. They are also not allowed to advertise to buy or sell animals, except in the newsletters of the frog keeper associations to which they may personally belong.
There are commercial dealers in frogs in Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and ACT. If you purchase an animal from one of these dealers, or from anyone else in another state, you must already hold a NSW amphibian keeper's licence and you must obtain an interstate import licence from the NPWS before you can legally bring it into NSW.
Caring for tadpoles and frogs
To successfully keep frogs you need to know how to look after them. They need live food, and will not readily eat dead or non-moving food items. Frogs need an environment with clean water, shelter and feeding space.
Tadpoles are a little easier to keep. They need clean water (tap water needs to be treated to remove chlorine compounds) and a diet of suitable plant food. Their pond needs rocks to climb onto when they metamorphose and areas to escape from the sun.
Getting in contact with other people who keep frogs
The NPWS recommends that all frog enthusiasts join a frog keeper organisation (a herpetological society). This will put you in touch with other people who:
- have similar interests and who may have animals that they can trade with other licence holders
- can give you the benefit of their animal care and husbandry knowledge, experience and expertise
- may be able to give you the opportunity to participate in field observation and research activities.
More information
- Get in touch with your nearest herpetological society.