Amazon Milk Frog Care Sheet
Introduction
Amazon Milk Frogs (Trachycephalus resinifictrix), also known as blue milk frogs, are striking tree frogs native to the Amazon rain forest. They are known for their distinctive pale blue to grayish colouration with dark brown markings and their slightly bumpy skin. These frogs are relatively easy to care for and can make fascinating pets for those willing to maintain their humid, arboreal environments.
Care sheets are only to be taken as guidelines. Just as with all animals, each frog will have unique traits and personalities special to the individual animal that may require adaptation in their husbandry and care. The following care sheet will address basic requirements but as the primary caretaker of your pet, we encourage you to take notice of your pet's behaviours and preferences and make adjustments as they grow with you and your family. Please also keep in mind that unlike mammals, most reptiles change their behaviour according to seasonal weather changes even if you keep them indoors all year round. Most reptiles also change their behaviour according to their life stages and should not be expected to behave the same their whole life.
We keep Amazon Milk Frogs in stock at our Toronto store and ship across Canada.
Cheat Sheet
Amazon Milk Frog
| Common name | Amazon Milk Frog |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Trachycephalus resinifictrix |
| Natural location | Amazon Rain Forest |
| Habitat (wild) | Warm and humid forest |
| Captive enclosure | 12x12x18" for juveniles, 18x18x24" for adults |
| Substrate | Bioactive Blends, Cypress Mulch, Loose Bark, Coco Husk, Soil Blends |
| Temperature tolerance | Nighttime: 68-72°F (20-22°C), Cooler: 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| Basking temperature | 80-85°F (27-29°C) |
| UVB lighting | Optional. Not required but can be beneficial in small amounts |
| Humidity | Approx. 60-80% |
| Average adult size | 2.5-4 inches |
| Captive lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Fun fact | Although not poisonous, can release a milky white toxin that can cause a predator to become sick |
Housing
Enclosure: Amazon Milk Frogs are arboreal (tree-dwelling), it is best to provide them ample vertical climbing space. Juveniles can be raised in a 12x12x18" terrarium while an 18x18x24" is recommended for one to two frogs, but larger enclosures are always beneficial. The enclosure should have a secure mesh top for ventilation while retaining humidity. A live bioactive terrarium is best for this species but you can also use artificial plants, branches, cork bark, and vines to create climbing opportunities and a naturalistic environment. These frogs love to perch on strong steady leaves.
Substrate: A bioactive substrate mixture is best for this species such as the ZM Tropical Bioblend or you can make your own using a mixture of moisture retaining substrates such as cypress mulch, peat moss, repti soil, moss, carbon, gravel, coconut fibre, and loose leaves. We highly advise against using only coconut fibre even though this is commonly offered in commercial ready starter kits.
Heating & Temperature: Amazon Milk Frogs do best in moderately heated terrariums. They thrive at temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day, with a slight drop to 68-75°F (20-24°C) at night. A low-wattage heat lamp, ceramic heat emitter, or radiant heat can help maintain the proper temperature. Ensure that a thermometer is used to monitor temperature accurately.
Hide spots: Providing multiple hiding spots, such as cork bark, hollow logs, and dense foliage, helps frogs feel secure. Vertical climbing branches and live or artificial plants mimic their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviours.
Humidity: Humidity levels should be maintained between 60-80%. Regular misting with water will help achieve this, but avoid making the enclosure too damp, as excessive moisture can lead to the spread of bacteria. A hygrometer should be used to monitor humidity levels as humidity levels are crucial to the health of this species.
Diet
Feeding: Amazon Milk Frogs are insectivores, with a diet consisting mainly of crickets, roaches, mealworms, and occasional waxworms, hornworms, or nightcrawlers. We find that they are most attracted to feed that move a lot in front of them. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 2-3 days.
Supplementation: Offer lightly dusted crickets once per week with calcium or multi vitamin. Be careful not to over supplement with vitamin D3.
Water: All tree frogs absorb water through their skin. For this reason, they do best by taking water through misting directly on them and around their environments. A shallow water dish with dechlorinated water should also be available as frogs will sometimes dip parts of their bodies into the water to absorb it when they need to. The dish should be cleaned and refilled daily to prevent bacterial growth.
Health & Maintenance
Hygiene: It is absolutely crucial to keep amphibian terrariums clean as they are very sensitive creatures. Routinely clean your enclosure to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Spot clean daily by removing waste and uneaten food. A deeper clean of the enclosure should be done every few weeks, ensuring that any substrate, decorations, and water dishes are properly sanitized. You can minimize the cleaning needed by creating a live bioactive habitat which will heavily aid in natural breakdowns of waste that gets cycled through the presence of live plants and beneficial lifeforms in the soil. If done correctly, substrate changes are not necessary for many years at a time. If not using a bioactive habitat, then we recommend a full substrate change at least once per season, 4 times a year. Wood and plant décor can be washed monthly with hot water and dish soap and put back into place. Regularly check for signs of mold in humid enclosures.
Handling: Amazon Milk Frogs tolerate occasional handling better than some other amphibians, but it should still be kept to a minimum. Their skin is delicate and absorbs substances easily, so hands should always be washed and dampened before handling to prevent irritation. Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Behavioural observation: Amazon Milk Frogs are nocturnal and most active during the evening and night. They are vocal, with males producing loud calls, especially during the breeding season. These frogs can change their coloration slightly based on temperature, mood, and stress levels. They are social and can be kept in groups, but care should be taken to ensure all individuals receive adequate food and space.
Quarantine: Quarantine any new additions to your reptile collection to prevent the spread of diseases.
Common Questions
Why are they called milk frogs?
The milky white toxin they can release when threatened. It is not poisonous to handle, but it can make a predator sick, which is the point of it.
Are Amazon milk frogs good for beginners?
Relatively, yes. They are among the easier tree frogs, provided you can hold humidity at 60 to 80% and give them vertical space. The commitment is the environment rather than the animal.
Can Amazon milk frogs be kept together?
Yes. They are social and do well in groups, as long as the enclosure is big enough that every frog gets its share of food and space. An 18x18x24 inch enclosure suits one to two adults, so scale up from there.
Can you handle an Amazon milk frog?
Occasionally, and less than you would a reptile. Their skin absorbs whatever is on your hands, so wash and dampen them first, and keep sessions short.
Do Amazon milk frogs drink from a bowl?
Not really. Tree frogs take water through the skin, so misting them and their surroundings is the main route. Still keep a shallow dish of dechlorinated water for soaking, cleaned and refilled daily.
How often do you feed an Amazon milk frog?
Juveniles daily, adults every 2 to 3 days. Crickets and roaches as staples, waxworms and hornworms occasionally. They respond to prey that moves, so lively feeders work better than still ones.
All Reptiles, all the time.
Amazon Milk Frogs in stock now
We carry the bioactive substrates, cork bark, vines, misting systems, hygrometers and ceramic heat emitters covered in this guide at 1911 Kennedy Rd. Unit 99 in Toronto. Staff can walk you through a full setup in person.
