Amphibians – Wilmette Pet Center

Caring for your reptiles and amphibians just got easier (and more attractive)

Christopher, manager, WPC — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 21:41:03 +0000

Part of the fun of keeping reptiles is creating a little chunk of the jungle in your home. But some of the equipment you need to help them thrive can be bulky and unattractive. That’s why we brought in Zilla’s newest cage accessories, helping make your terrarium both attractive and healthier for its inhabitant.

Many reptiles evolved to lap water off of leaves and plants, usually from rain and fog, so they do not see standing water as something to drink. Providing moving water can be a little difficult, until now. The Zilla Spring Cave is a brilliant way to add moving water to your cage while looking incredibly cool!

A sealed basin holds the water, and a fine screen on top prevents animals, debris, and crickets from getting in and fouling up the pump.
Water cascades over an artificial plant, keeping ambient humidity high and providing a perfect drinking spot.
Realistic looking mossy rock and stick perch blend beautifully into your terrarium decorations.
Top holds blue LEDs and a feeding dish.
Great for frogs, chameleons, and geckos.

Zilla’s new Mushroom Feeding ledge puts the food up high, where many species of reptiles naturally look for food. Mimicking their natural habitat will make sure they’re eating well, and helps reduce stress. This realistic ledge holds a feeding fish, is lightweight and durable, and attaches to the terrarium wall with a powerful locking suction cup so it won’t come loose!

Both of these would look greatwith a red eyed tree frog, or the White’s tree frog. They like to be up high, and the waterfall will help keep the high humidity they need to thrive.

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This post, Caring for your reptiles and amphibians just got easier (and more attractive), originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on August 21, 2018. Tweet This Post!

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Just in!

Christopher, manager, WPC — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 23:41:11 +0000

We finally have red eyed tree frogs!

These incredible cool amphibians are tired from their trip. They’d make perfect inhabitants to one of our pre-made terrariums!

This is their incredible coloring that you see when they are awake!

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This post, Just in!, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on December 1, 2017. Tweet This Post!

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NEW: Poison dart frogs

Christopher, manager, WPC — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:46:49 +0000

These gorgeous amphibians live in the lush and warm tropical jungles, and their color is a warning to predators of their toxicity.

We have three colors:
Patricia Tinc arrow
Giant orange Tinc (the ones pictured to the right)
Oyapock Tinc arrow

Interesting point: in captivity, they lose all of their poison and are completely safe (although no frog should be handled.)

These colorful guys would make a perfect addition to one of our new terrarium kits for that beautiful tropical feel to your home!

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This post, NEW: Poison dart frogs, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on November 10, 2017. Tweet This Post!

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Are you tired of a dirty turtle tank?

Christopher, manager, WPC — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:50:13 +0000

Is the thought of cleaning one putting off these great pets? Check out the

Exo Terra Turtle canister filter!

These small filters pack a lot of cleaning power, including pads to help reduce the smell of ammonia. Canister filters are much more powerful than hang-on-the-back style, since water is forced through all the filter media in the canister, instead of some by-passing your cartridge.

These filters come complete with spray bar system for better aeration and all necessary

filtration media. The dual chamber design allows for the greatest flexibility in servicing mechanical, chemical and absorptive filtration media. Flow rates have been precisely calculated to provide the exact balance needed between mechanical filtration, water circulation and oxygen enrichment, resulting in optimum conditions for successful turtle keeping.

We’ve installed one on our red eared slider tank, and we see a huge difference! The tank stays cleaner, which means LESS WORK FOR YOU!

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This post, Are you tired of a dirty turtle tank?, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on November 15, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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Tomato Frog Care

Dave, Wilmette Pet Center Owner — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 23:51:17 +0000

Tomato Frog: Dyscophus antongili

Adult Size
Males 3 inches, females 5 inches

Life Span
Up to 10 years

Male/Female Differences
Females are larger and brighter in color than the males.

Compatibility
Tomato frogs are fairly compatible and can live in small groups. Beware of mixing them with small frogs, as these will be eaten.

Origin
Madagascar.

Climate
Humid areas located close to water, forest floors.

Day Cycle
Diurnal, working the day shift.

Temperature
75 up to 85 during the day. Use a mild basking light or a small watt heat pad.

Lighting
Use high quality UVA light for emotional health and to stimulate their appetite.

Humidity
Tomato frogs need humidity. Provide this with a water bowl – an airstone increases the humidity – frequent misting, and moss.

Habitat/Territory
Banks surrounding small stream or pond.

Substrate/Bedding
Gravel makes a great base for the substrate as it is not as messy as soil and provides drainage. Moss and/or coconut fibers on top of the gravel to maintain humidity. Avoid heavy soaking of the substrate.

Hiding Place/Den
Moss will offer plenty of humidity and places for them to hide. Real or artificial plants also offer plenty of hiding places.

Cage Type
20” aquariums or critter cages are ideal homes as they help hold in humidity.

Diet
Feed crickets and small mealworms. Tomato frogs will also eat small fish, worms, other frogs and even small mice.

Supplements
Lightly dust crickets with a good calcium/vitamin powder just before feeding.

Diet Precautions
Gut load your crickets with high quality cricket food to prevent deficiencies in tomato frogs.

Feeding
Tomato frogs eat a lot of crickets. Offer a few crickets at a time during the day.

Water Source
Provide clean water in a bowl at all times. Mist frequently to keep humidity high.

Grooming
Tomato frogs need no grooming.

Oral and Foot
Care Clean the cage regularly to prevent foot and skin infections or an internal infection known as red leg.

Proper Handling
Tomato frogs are not ideal candidate for handling as our skin would both dry and irritate theirs. If you need to handle your tomato frog, wet your hands.

Habitat Maintenance
Spot clean soiled areas. Keep the water dish clean as this is a prime area for bacteria to grow.

Health Concerns
Tomato frogs are susceptible to skin lesions and bacterial infections called red leg.

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This post, Tomato Frog Care, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on October 16, 2011. Tweet This Post!

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