Common frog (Ireland) not eating, seems unwell

[Joe Ryan]

Wondering what would be the problem here.

We have a few common frogs that we took in as tadpoles early in the summer as the field they were in was being covered up by construction work.

They've always been well fed and their living area well maintained. One of them has recently not been eating, for the past few days. He has also started to bloat himself up and looks to be in discomfort.

Any ideas on what may be up with him?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

[ilovetoads2]

Could be lots of things like water quality...could be that they feel ready to hibernate, could even be that he has worms...as a precaution I would separate him. Check water quality, temps, ect. If he does not improve a herp vet may be able to help.

[Joe Ryan]

Thanks ilovetoads2.

I got a new tank today, so I'll go about separating him and putting the others into the new tank. I'll keep them close enough that they can see each other so as minimize any distress from being by himself.

BTW, when hibernating, how much and how often would they eat?

[ilovetoads2]

Hibernation is a dangerous thing to try and replicate in captivity. It is my understanding that they do not eat...many common frogs bury in mud under ponds. They eat loads when getting ready and the cold weather and lack of activity slows down the matabolism to such a rate that they can survive the winter without food.

You are unable to imitate winter settings in a tank, even if the temps were right they may not be able to get as deep as they need to not to freeze...unfortunatly, it has been shown that lack of hibernation in any animal that requires it can lead to lack of breeding and shortened life spans...

That being said, if you are separating him for a while for observation and prevention, he should be fine...and if not at least you are not taking chances with the others.