Kid's Activity: From Tadpole to Frog

1. Unpolluted pond water or rain water are ideal for frog spawn (eggs) or tadpoles. Don't put them into tap water unless it has been allowed to stand for at least three days to allow the chlorine to evaporate. The water should be changed at least twice a week to avoid contamination.
2. Water temperature is very important, between 59°F and 68°F (15°C and 20°C) is the best temperature for tadpole development. Pollution can be a problem if the temperature rises above 68°F (20°C).
3. Don't put frog spawn or tadpoles from water at one temperature straight into water at a different temperature. Death is likely to result! If you want to move frog spawn from a small container into a larger container, an aquarium for example, then stand the small container complete with frog spawn inside the large container, When both water temperatures are the same, which may take a few hours, then at last you can release the frog spawn into the aquarium. It is most important that the frog spawn or tadpoles do not over-crowd the containers at any stage.
4. When the tadpoles first hatch they can be given lettuce leaves to eat. A quantity of fresh pond weed in the aquarium at this stage is very important; partly as food and partly as support for young tadpoles. Nettle powder, made from dried stinging nettle leaves, can also be fed to the young tadpoles.
5. Feed lettuce leaves, etc. until the tadpoles reach the leg stage of their lives. Supply fresh pond weed if necessary when the water is changed.
6. When tadpoles reach the leg stage they become carnivorous (meat eaters). They will eat each other unless you provide meat for them. Small pieces of liver should be carefully suspended on a piece of string into the water. The meat should be changed every day to avoid polluting the water. Fish fry food for livebearers, available from aquarium and pet shops, can also be fed sparingly to the tadpoles at this stage.
7. When tadpoles reach the leg stage, make sure that stones or floating sticks are placed in the aquarium in such a way that the young frogs can climb clear if the water to breathe.
8. The whole process of change -- from tadpole to young frog -- takes about 12 weeks for most varieties. Some types of frogs remain tadpoles for as long as 8 months!
9. When the time comes to release the young frogs into the countryside, put them in as safe a place as you can. Don't put them in a place where they will come into contact with poisonous agricultural sprays or poisonous plants (leaves and needles from oleander plants and pine trees are toxic to frogs). Also make sure that the pond or stream where you release the young frogs is not polluted. Try to find a place with places for them to hide from predators. Or better yet, turn them lose in the frog-friendly garden you prepared!

Question: Where can I get tadpoles?
Answer: There are four good sources:

1. If you live near an old pond with a frog population, hike on down there with a dip net and bucket, slosh through the water and you'll be sure to net quite a few! And you'll probably have a pretty fun time doing it, too!
2. Your local pet store may have tadpoles or access to them.
3. Often you will find that pond suppliers carry or can order tadpoles for you.
4. Try an online reptile and amphibian suppliers

Unusual Frogs

Alexteroon obstetricans -- Midwife Frog (It is often called Midwife Toad, but isn't a toad at all)
Unlike most frogs, the female midwife frog lays her eggs on land close to water. The male midwife frog takes the eggs as they are being laid by the female and twines the strings of eggs about its hind legs. He subsequently carries these around with him, checking them for correct moisture levels and moistening them in dew or shallow water or during the day sheltering with them in a hole. After about a month he finds a body of still water where the tadpoles can hatch. Then, at a certain time, he knows to suddenly climb out of the hole and jump into the water and begins swimming energetically. This breaks the egg membranes, and tiny tadpoles scatter in all directions.