Frogs make for really cute and long-lasting pets. When properly taken care of, a frog can live for 15 to 20 years. In that time frame, you might relocate or take your frog to the vet occasionally. If you have to drive to your destinations, how do you transport a frog in a car?
You can transport a frog either in a separate holding tank made for this purpose or in its usual tank, enclosed in a safe box. You must also pay extra attention to maintaining an ideal environment for the frog. Long trips and short trips have different preparations to maintain a comfortable environment for the frog.
In this article, I will look at the possibility of frogs traveling in a car. I will also describe the different ways to transport a frog in a car and how to keep frogs warm during any kind of travel.
Can Frogs Travel in a Car?
Frogs can travel in a car as long as the right conditions are met to ensure their safety and comfort. This would involve getting a good transport container and setting it up with all the frogs would need. If it is a long journey with stops along the way, pay close attention to the temperatures of the locations and adjust the environment of the frogs accordingly.
How Do You Transport a Frog in a Car?
The first thing to note about transporting a frog in a car for any distance is that it cannot roam free. This is an important rule to enforce, especially if the frog belongs to a child and the child would like to house the frog in his pocket. Like other pets, any free-moving occupant of a car can distract the driver and possibly cause an accident.
When you are transporting frogs, it is advisable to move them from their vivarium into smaller containers for easy travel. If you are transporting them in their tanks, watch out for it, tipping over and breaking. Secure the tank with a seatbelt to avoid this. Ensure that the tank is adequate to hold the frog/frogs without overcrowding.
Most frog owners agree that the best way to travel with frogs is to put them in an opaque plastic container. Depending on the type of frog, you can put a little water in it or place a damp material at the bottom. This will keep them hydrated and cushion any bumps during the trip.
Wet paper towels and a piece of cloth are suitable options for a damp material. If you go for paper towels, natural towels that are unbleached and unscented are perfect. You can also put some of your frog’s regular substrate on top of the damp materials. Its effect is like a toddler’s favorite cuddle teddy bear.
Other Important Factors to Consider
So you have the right travel container, and you have placed a damp material for hydration. There are other preparations to make, and they include:
- Temperature
The most important thing to watch out for when transporting a frog in a car is the temperature. Frogs are very sensitive to temperature changes, and it is necessary for you to maintain their ideal temperatures in the tank. If they become too cold or too hot, they can fall sick.
With a thermometer, check the temperature of your car and travel container before putting your frog into them and starting your journey. If it is too cold, you may have to warm your car for a bit.
Keep your car temperature in a constant range, and the frogs will be okay.
- Humidity
Humidity is another factor to keep in mind. Depending on the species of frog you have, their required humidities will differ. Carry a spray bottle to mist it and keep the humidity if the journey is long. Shorter journeys may not require misting if the tank or container can maintain its humidity. You may keep a hygrometer in the tank to keep track.
- Hideout
Provide something light that they can hide under because they are prey species, and they need a place to retreat to when they feel threatened. It also helps to cover the tank or container with a light material to protect against the sun and provide a dark environment for daytime travel.
Do not forget to empty the tank of any loose object that can fall and squish the frog. An alternative is to secure the loose objects.
How Do You Keep a Frog Warm During Travel?
As earlier stated, the first thing to do on a chilly day is to warm the car prior to placing the frog in it. While you use your car heater for warmth, do not keep the frog’s container within a direct blast from the air vent. Overheating is just as bad as keeping the frog cold.
Here are 4 ways you can keep a frog warm during travel:
1. Use a blanket
A blanket covering the frog’s container provides insulation and a cozy environment for the frog to relax in. use a blanket that permits adequate ventilation while preventing heat from escaping.
2. A hot water bottle.
It can provide warmth for many hours. Make sure it is not too hot (test it on yourself) and ensure that it is tightly sealed.
3. Handwarmers
They can stay warm for up to 9 hours and are good for long journeys. They are not to be put inside the container. Wrap them in a towel and put them on the container or beside it.
4. A homemade warmer
With some rice, a sock or two, and a microwave, you can make your own warmer. Put rice in a sock up to ¾ full and tie it, so the rice doesn’t pour out. Pop it in the microwave until it is hot (it takes a few minutes on high), and place it in the container.
You can transport frogs in a car and keep them comfortable as long as you maintain the temperature and humidity of the frog’s travel container.
