A Set-up Guide for Your New Pacman Frog

5 things to know about Pacman frogs

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Size: They grow up to 8 inches (20 cm)
• Lifespan: Pacman frogs can live up to 5 years
• What's In a Name: They are named for their resemblance to the star of the 1980s arcade game
• Did You Know: They’re some of the only frogs with teeth

How do I set up my Pacman frog’s home?

• They should live alone.
• A Pacman frog should live in a terrarium that’s a minimum 10 gallons. The terrarium should have a screened lid.
• Line the bottom of the terrarium with 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) of coconut-fiber or bark bedding; your frog will enjoy burrowing in it. Remove droppings frequently and change out the bedding completely at least once a month.
• Stock the terrarium with appropriate live plants and appropriate store bought branches for hiding.
• Provide a shallow bowl of water large enough for the frog to sit in.

Heat & light

• Your Pacman frog’s terrarium should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 Celsius) during the day, and between 65 and 75 F (18 to 24 C) at night. If necessary, use a heat light or an under-tank heater to warm the terrarium. A thermometer in the habitat will help you monitor the temperature.
• Habitat humidity should be between 50% and 80%. Appropriate live plants in the terrarium will help regulate the habitat’s humidity level. Consult resources on tropical frogs for a list of appropriate plants. Use a hygrometer (a device gauge) to keep track of the moisture in the tank.
• Pacman frogs are nocturnal (more active at night). They don’t require sunlight, but they do need lighting that mimics day and night in their habitat. If it’s in a dim room, light the terrarium for 12 hours a day with a fluorescent bulb.
• At night, switch to a night-specific bulb so you can watch your pet with minimum disturbance.

What do Pacman frogs eat?

• Pacman frogs are insectivores. They enjoy a varied menu of crickets, silkworms and occasional mealworms or waxworms.
• Feed your frog every 2 to 3 days, in the evening.
• Pacman frogs need Vitamin D and calcium. To ensure that your frog is getting the necessary nutrients, choose crickets that are gut-loaded — that is, fed a commercially available, nutrient-dense diet. When the frog eats the crickets, those nutrients will be transferred to your pet. 2 or 3 times a week, dust insects with supplemental calcium for bone growth.
• Feed your frog only enough insects that can be consumed overnight. If there are uneaten insects in your frog’s terrarium, feed your frog fewer insects in the future.

How do I keep my Pacman frog healthy?

Pacman frogs are not very active; so don’t worry if yours basically sits in one spot waiting for food — that’s normal.

Pacman frogs have sensitive skin and do not enjoy being handled.

Try not to handle new Pacman frogs for 3 or 4 days to give them a chance to get acclimated to their new surroundings. Whether your frog is new or settled-in, be sure to contact a vet if you notice any of these symptoms of illness or distress:

• More time spent hiding
• Eating or drinking less; weight loss
• Discolored skin
• Swollen joints
• Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
• Runny droppings for more than 2 days

PET SAFETY TIPS

• Always wash your hands before and after handling frog or cleaning the terrarium.
• Use caution when handling pets. Pacman frogs have sensitive skin and do not enjoy being handled.
• Supervise children around pets.
• Use caution when handling pets and remember they may bite or scratch (especially when stressed).
• ALL ANIMALS can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans.
• Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet, its habitat or aquarium water.

VET ASSURED™

Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well being of our pets.

Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

PETSMART PROMISE

If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.