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Dart frogs are display animals, not handling pets. Their absorbent skin can be harmed by oils, soap, lotion, salts, and chemicals on human hands. If a transfer or emergency makes contact necessary, use clean, damp, powder-free gloves and keep the operation brief.

Captive-bred dart frogs do not receive the wild diet that supplies defensive alkaloids, so they do not develop the same skin toxins as wild frogs. They still have delicate skin and should be observed rather than handled.

A good first species is captive-bred, established, visible, and suited to the enclosure you can maintain. Dendrobates leucomelas, many Dendrobates tinctorius, and Phyllobates bicolor are often approachable choices when the keeper researches their specific needs. Bicolor are bold and can do well in groups, but males may call frequently. Tinctorius are impressive display frogs, but adults often need careful pairing or individual housing. The best beginner frog is the one whose habitat, behavior, and long-term care you are prepared to support.

With proper care, many dart frogs can live 10–15 years or longer. Plan for a long-term commitment that includes live food cultures, supplements, enclosure maintenance, backup equipment, and knowledgeable care during travel.

Sexing depends on the species, age, body shape, toe pads, and behavior. Juveniles are especially difficult to sex. For Phyllobates bicolor, a male calling is the only reliable confirmation; estimates become more useful around 10–12 months, but visual sexing is not a guarantee. Unless a listing specifically states otherwise, juveniles should be treated as unsexed.

Wingless fruit flies are the main ration for most captive dart frogs. Appropriately sized springtails, bean beetles, and other safe micro-feeders may add variety, but a dependable fruit fly supply remains essential.

Young froglets generally benefit from daily feeding. Healthy adults are commonly fed four to six days per week, adjusted for species, body condition, breeding activity, and how quickly the frogs clear the enclosure. Watch the frogs, not just the calendar.

Yes. Dust feeders with a quality calcium and vitamin supplement according to a consistent rotation. Frog Command uses Repashy Calcium Plus for regular feedings and adds Vitamin A Plus and SuperPig periodically. Replace expired supplements and store them according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Many commonly kept dart frogs do well around 68–75°F with high humidity, often 80–100%, plus appropriate airflow. Temperatures approaching 80°F require close attention and prolonged higher temperatures can be dangerous. A humid vivarium should be moist and ventilated—not stagnant or waterlogged.

Keep several cultures at different ages. One culture is a risk; staggered cultures create a supply line. Cultures can crash from mites, mold, heat, age, or contamination, so maintain more than the minimum and know where you can obtain emergency feeders.

Enclosure size depends on the species, number of frogs, and how they use space. A 20-gallon enclosure may be a starting point for certain single frogs, pairs, or small compatible groups, but larger and more active species benefit from additional floor space. Build for natural behavior, not the smallest container in which a frog can survive.

Some species can, while others become territorial as they mature. Phyllobates bicolor often do well in groups with adequate space, cover, and feeding access. Adult Dendrobates tinctorius—especially females—may fight and are commonly maintained singly or as a compatible pair. Watch for chasing, wrestling, hiding, food exclusion, weight loss, or injury, and keep a backup enclosure ready.

No. Keep species and localities separate. Mixing can create aggression, disease-management problems, incompatible care needs, and unwanted crosses that destroy important lineage information.

A trio or small group can work well when the enclosure provides enough floor space, leaf litter, cover, and multiple feeding areas. Buying more unsexed juveniles improves the chance of eventually having both sexes, but no group size guarantees a pair. Every group should be monitored as it matures.

Frogs ship Monday through Wednesday, weather permitting, by FedEx Priority Overnight. Every live-frog order is held at an approved staffed FedEx Ship Center for pickup rather than delivered to a residence.

Hub pickup limits time in a delivery vehicle and reduces exposure to temperature swings, missed stops, and porch conditions. It is also a requirement of the Frog Command Live Arrival Guarantee.

Plan to be at the facility when the package becomes available and complete pickup within one hour. Monitor tracking, bring valid identification, and have a backup plan in case the carrier is delayed.

Frog Command checks the Duluth origin, the Memphis sorting window from 11 PM–4 AM, and the destination around the expected 9 AM pickup time. A shipment is normally held below 35°F or at 88°F and above at a checked point. Storms, delay risk, rapidly changing forecasts, or unsafe route conditions can also postpone a mission.

Each frog travels in a secure individual cup inside an insulated box. Gel packs and Phase 22 temperature-control packs are included, with ice or heat selected for the route. Cup placement, insulation, cushioning, and pack separation are configured for the forecast and possible delays.

Eligible hub-pickup shipments are protected when the approved route and pickup requirements are followed. Pick up within one hour, inspect promptly, and report any concern immediately with clear photos or video of the frog, cup, packing materials, and label. Review the full Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee page for all terms.