To Handle or Not to Handle?

[Abigale]

Hey everyone! I've done a lot of reading about frogs and there's one topic that seems to have a lot of mixed opinions: handling frogs. Some people say you should never handle your frog because the oil and foreign substances from your hand can clog its pores and hurt it. Still other people say that it's perfectly safe to handle your frog as long as you wet your hands first. I have always handled my frogs, but I'm curious to know the opinions and experiences of others.

My experience: I never grab my frogs. I scoop them gently into my hands and let them crawl around. I wet my hands before I pick them up, and when I put them back in the tank, I spray them again with spring water. What are your thoughts? Thanks!

[DonLisk]

Hi Abigale,
I think you will find the majority to go with not handling. This comes from what you have stated above, the possible transfer of chemicals from something some handled to the frogs skin and the oils from your skin transferred to the frog and so on. Another reason is that handling is usually very stressful to the frog and stress is one of the biggest killers to frogs. They may not show this stress but it is always there.

[lukebaksavich]

If you are simply moving the terrarium around or want to check the frog out, touching the frog generally won't hurt it. Keep in mind that it is easy to injure frogs, and care should be taken to avoid dropping them and such. Some species tolerate it better than others. I have had Agalychnis callidryas and A. annae that would grab crickets right out of my hands. One thing to avoid is touchimg frogs in one terrarium, and then going to another terrarium and servicing it. I would recommend nitrile gloves. Generally, i avoid touching frogs unless necessary.

[Abigale]

Thanks for the insight!

[toxxxickitten]

I don't see touching or handling your frogs every once in awhile as a problem. However, I wouldn't recommend them as a pet to handle daily, due to stress related issues, etc as mentioned above. I'm an observer by nature, so I like my pets that I can just watch and interact with by feeding. I do handle some of my frogs from time to time for pictures or cage cleanings.

[Leefrogs]

I think it comes down to species and the frogs individual personality. I've only handled my A.annae two times. Where my WTF get handled on a monthly basis. Only one of three doesn't seem to mind. Same with my sons FBT's, two will jump and fight, and mr friendly will happily hang out. Jumping exposes them to toxins on your cloths, the floors, and everything they land on.
I think only calm and healthy animals should be handled after a 6 month adjustment period. Never hold a frog fresh from the store. New environment is stressful enough