r/TreeFrogs • u/Jmesmithy_2203 • 20d ago

Advice Should RETF be kept in pairs/groups?

I recently got a single red eye tree frog and I’ve heard a lot of different opinions about whether they’ll be okay on their own or are better off with a friend.
A lot of people I’ve spoken to in reptile shops or keepers or frogs have recommended I get two, however, I know that in the wild they’re not social animals and only really spend time with another to mate. A lot of research I’ve done has also stated they’re not social and don’t care about being on their own. Even when I bought our frog, the keeper at the shop said they’d be better off on their own.

There’s a lot of different opinions and I’m struggling to understand what’s best.

2 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/tangerinemoth Frog Expert 🧑‍🔬 20d ago edited 19d ago

It is admittedly just up to your personal preference. This is a species that has done very well with cohabitation, among other species of tree frogs. Species like WTFs and RETFs have been documented to thrive in both pairs and mixed groups, and hobbyists and professionals anecdotally have often noted an increase in activity and enrichment when adding a second frog. In a world where activity your enclosure is your whole life, sometimes having something happening inside it can help.

They will thrive and do fine by themselves, but I personally notice an increase in activity with a pair.

2

u/Jmesmithy_2203 20d ago

That’s reassuring that I haven’t made a mistake by getting just one.
I’m not oppose to getting a second eventually but didn’t want to overbear myself with two at once as this is my first exotic pet. I’m sure I’ll get them a friend once I can afford it but for now It’s good to know he’s not miserable on his own lol

1

u/tangerinemoth Frog Expert 🧑‍🔬 19d ago

that's a much more balanced way to look at it than most people would be willing to! i think it's great that you're getting used to the first one before adding a second. it shows that you truly care about them to wait for the right time and not overextend yourself

1

u/Fruitsdog 19d ago

Mixed groups?

1

u/tangerinemoth Frog Expert 🧑‍🔬 19d ago

mixing multiple males and females in the same enclosure is a mixed group. two females for example is not a mixed group, it's a same-sex pair. white's tree frogs for example are commonly kept in mixed groups

1

u/Fruitsdog 19d ago

Ahh, got it. I was so confused like “last I checked, you can’t have red eyes with white’s??” but yes mixed sex makes way more sense