Tadpole Care Sheet

🐸 Tadpole Care Sheet 

Raising tadpoles is a fun and educational way to learn about the amphibian life cycle! With the right care, you can watch them transform from tiny swimmers into fully formed frogs. This care guide is designed for common frog species in New Zealand, such as Green Bell Frogs or Southern Bell Frogs (which are introduced and commonly kept).

✅ Quick Facts

  • Stage: Aquatic only (no land needed yet)

  • Time to metamorphosis: ~6–12 weeks (varies by species & temperature)

  • Do not handle directly – they have delicate skin

🏡 Habitat Setup

Container:

  • Use a large plastic tub, aquarium, or bucket (minimum 10L for a small group)

  • Keep out of direct sunlight but in a bright room

  • Cover with mesh or breathable lid to prevent debris and predators

Water:

  • Use dechlorinated tap water or rainwater

  • Never use untreated tap water — chlorine is toxic

  • Fill to a depth of 10–15 cm, or deeper if tadpoles are older

  • Perform partial water changes (25–50%) every 2–3 days

Temperature:

  • Ideal range: 18–24°C

  • Don’t use heaters — room temp is usually fine

  • Avoid rapid temperature changes

🪴 Decor & Enrichment

  • Add aquatic plants (real or fake) to provide cover

  • Smooth stones or pebbles can be added but keep the bottom simple for cleaning

  • As legs develop, add a gentle ramp or floating platform for them to exit the water safely

🍃 Feeding Tadpoles

Early-Stage Tadpoles (no legs):

  • Herbivores – feed:
    ✔ Boiled lettuce or spinach (chopped finely)
    ✔ Algae wafers
    ✔ Blanched zucchini or cucumber
    ✔ Commercial tadpole food

Feed small amounts daily – remove any uneaten food within 24 hours to avoid water quality issues.

Mid to Late-Stage Tadpoles (with legs):

  • Begin turning omnivorous – gradually introduce:
    ✔ Fish flakes or crushed pellets
    ✔ Frozen bloodworms (small amounts)
    ✔ Small insects (optional as they morph)

🐸 Metamorphosis (Becoming Frogs)

Signs of change:

  • Back legs develop first

  • Then front legs appear

  • Tail begins to shrink

  • They begin spending time at the surface

What to do:

  • Add shallow land areas or floating platforms

  • Lower water level slightly

  • Begin transitioning diet to small insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or micro worms

⚠️ Froglets can drown if they don’t have access to land, so make sure they can exit water easily!

❗ Important Notes

  • Do not release tadpoles or frogs into the wild – even introduced species can harm native ecosystems.

  • Always check local council or MPI regulations if collecting or keeping native or introduced amphibians.

  • Teach kids about the importance of biosecurity and responsible pet care.

🧾 Checklist for Tadpole Care

☑ Dechlorinated water
☑ Clean container with partial water changes
☑ Proper food (based on stage)
☑ Hiding spots and plants
☑ Ramp or platform as they begin to morph
☑ Never overcrowd
☑ Observe daily for changes

 

Watching tadpoles grow into frogs is a fascinating experience — just remember to provide clean water, proper food, and a safe setup, and you'll get to witness one of nature’s coolest transformations! 🌿🐸