Amphibian · Tree frog
Gray tree frog care guide
Dryophytes versicolor
The gray tree frog is a beginner-level tree frog from Eastern North America incl. southern Canada. Adults reach 3.5–5 cm and live 5–9 years in captivity. Captive-bred only. Native frogs are protected.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 20–26°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a gray tree frog cost in Canada?
Gray tree frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 3.5–5 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–9 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Eastern North America incl. southern Canada
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 20–26°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, moths
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Gray tree frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a gray tree frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Tolerates brief gentle handling; skin secretions irritate eyes, so wash hands.
Health watch: Skin infections and obesity.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a gray tree frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Gray tree frog FAQ
Is the gray tree frog good for beginners?
Yes – the gray tree frog is a good choice for beginners. Tolerates brief gentle handling; skin secretions irritate eyes, so wash hands.
What size enclosure does a gray tree frog need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a gray tree frog cost in Canada?
Typically $20–50 CAD to buy, about $440–760 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a gray tree frog need?
Temperature: 20–26°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a gray tree frog eat?
Insectivore – crickets, small roaches, moths. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.