Raising Tadpoles provides one of the most interesting and remarkable opportunities to learn about nature. Watching the process of tadpole’s metamorphosis into frogs is truly remarkable.
You don’t really need very much to raise tadpoles. You can use a tub, a small pool if outside, a large bowl inside, or even a large tank. Place some gravel on the bottom, add a rock for shelter, and also for the tadpoles to climb up on when they begin to transform.
You can also place some weeds or grass with the roots attached in the water. The tadpoles will hang onto the roots and also eat the roots as they grow. Make sure there or no pesticides on the plants since this will kill the tadpoles.
What do tadpoles eat?
Use water from outside to place in your bowl or tank. If you’re going to use tap water let the water sit for at least 24 hours uncovered to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
The chlorine will kill the tadpoles if you don’t do this. The water should be changed on a regular basis to keep it fresh and the pH level balanced.
Boiled romaine lettuce is one of the best foods for tadpoles. After boiling for 10 to 15 minutes cut it into small pieces and provide a little bit each day.
You can also use a small amount of fish food in a tiny pinch however it is not the best food for them. Try not to overfeed your tadpoles. Overeating can cause them to die.
At the same time, if you’re not feeding the tadpoles enough food, they could start eating each other.
The best approach is to make sure that there is food available at all times and to remove any food that looks like it is beginning to deteriorate. You also want to keep the tank clean and make sure that there are no bacteria developing that can kill your tadpoles.
Tadpole to frog development
Tadpoles will develop from the egg in 6 to 12 weeks depending on the temperature of the water. It should be kept at 65 to 75°F.
Once your tadpoles begin developing legs you’ll need to make sure that there’s an area they can crawl upon. They need to be able to get out of the water as their metamorphosis takes place.
You also do not need to feed the Tadpoles once they sprouted arms. The energy and resources they need come from the tail as they metamorphosis into an adult frogs.
Once the metamorphosis is complete you will need to begin feeding the froglets again or release them into a suitable habitat.
One of the most significant issues and problems that many people have who are raising tadpoles into frogs is keeping the tank or bowl clean.
If you do not keep the environment clean, bacteria will develop and spread which can rapidly kill the tadpoles and frogs. Frogs in the wild consume lots of insects.
