B.Orientalis care sheet
WRITTEN BY: D.Knight
INTRODUCTION
Bombina orientalis are a semi aquatic species. They originate from China, Korea, Democratic, Korea and Russia.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
A semi aquatic set up is required, ideally with a 50/50 land and water split. An 18x18x18 inch viv is ideal to house a trio. These toads like to swim and will appreciate a 5-6 inch deep area to do this in. Water should be heated and filtered. The ideal substrate for this species is eco earth. Hiding places should be provided along with some low laying obstacles for them to climb. They will also appreciate a densely planted viv.
LIGHTING
Although the research is on going, U.V can provide many benefits. It is very beneficial in the production of D3 and will help prevent bone disfigurement in juveniles. A 2% tube with a reflector placed over the top of the viv will provide them with substantial U.V. The light emitted from the tube will also be needed to maintain the plants in the vivarium.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Humidity's of 70% along with good ventilation is vital. The vivarium should be misted with de-chlorinated water daily and not allowed to fully dry out. A temperature of 75 in the day with a drop to 70 degrees at night is ideal. Heat emitting bulbs should not be used to achieve this as they will rapidly dry out the air.
FEEDING
A large range of inverts, crickets, locusts, moths and flies are among there favorites. Food items should be sized accordingly, the best way to judge this is by offering items that are equal to the distance between the specimens pupils. Vitamins and calcium supplements should be dusted onto the food, the most effective way to do this is by placing the food into a bag, adding the supplement and gently shaking. Adults should be given a feed with calcium once per week and vitamins also once per week, Juveniles will need more frequent supplementing. Do not supplement calcium and vitamins at the same time, do one per feed. Food items should also be gut-loaded on fresh veg before being offered. Adults should be fed 2 - 3 times per week and juveniles daily. Any uneaten food should be removed from the viv as it will not only stress and bite the frogs but it will also eat the plants.
CLEANING
The vivarium should be spot cleaned daily with any feces or dead food items being removed. It is also beneficial to wipe down the leaves of the plants with an amphibian safe disinfectant. Cleanliness is vital in amphibian husbandry and should be dealt with responsibly.
HANDLING
Handling should be avoided unless it is vital to the specimens well fare. If you do have to handle then powder free surgical gloves must be worn and frequently misted with de-chlorinated water to stop them drying out. Bombina orientalis do not like or get used to being handled, it is very stress full to them and if not done correctly very dangerous. Not only will the salts in human skin irritate them but there is a risk of damaging a limb or tearing the skin. When cleaning the viv the safest and less stress full way for the frogs is to catch them in a tub which has been sprayed with de-chlorinated water. B.Orientalis also have toxins in their skin which can cause a rash and sickness if ingested by humans.
CONCLUSION
B.Orientalis are a great anura for any one starting out with amphibians. They are very hardy and will last years if given the proper care.
INTRODUCTION
Bombina orientalis are a semi aquatic species. They originate from China, Korea, Democratic, Korea and Russia.
HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
A semi aquatic set up is required, ideally with a 50/50 land and water split. An 18x18x18 inch viv is ideal to house a trio. These toads like to swim and will appreciate a 5-6 inch deep area to do this in. Water should be heated and filtered. The ideal substrate for this species is eco earth. Hiding places should be provided along with some low laying obstacles for them to climb. They will also appreciate a densely planted viv.
LIGHTING
Although the research is on going, U.V can provide many benefits. It is very beneficial in the production of D3 and will help prevent bone disfigurement in juveniles. A 2% tube with a reflector placed over the top of the viv will provide them with substantial U.V. The light emitted from the tube will also be needed to maintain the plants in the vivarium.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Humidity's of 70% along with good ventilation is vital. The vivarium should be misted with de-chlorinated water daily and not allowed to fully dry out. A temperature of 75 in the day with a drop to 70 degrees at night is ideal. Heat emitting bulbs should not be used to achieve this as they will rapidly dry out the air.
FEEDING
A large range of inverts, crickets, locusts, moths and flies are among there favorites. Food items should be sized accordingly, the best way to judge this is by offering items that are equal to the distance between the specimens pupils. Vitamins and calcium supplements should be dusted onto the food, the most effective way to do this is by placing the food into a bag, adding the supplement and gently shaking. Adults should be given a feed with calcium once per week and vitamins also once per week, Juveniles will need more frequent supplementing. Do not supplement calcium and vitamins at the same time, do one per feed. Food items should also be gut-loaded on fresh veg before being offered. Adults should be fed 2 - 3 times per week and juveniles daily. Any uneaten food should be removed from the viv as it will not only stress and bite the frogs but it will also eat the plants.
CLEANING
The vivarium should be spot cleaned daily with any feces or dead food items being removed. It is also beneficial to wipe down the leaves of the plants with an amphibian safe disinfectant. Cleanliness is vital in amphibian husbandry and should be dealt with responsibly.
HANDLING
Handling should be avoided unless it is vital to the specimens well fare. If you do have to handle then powder free surgical gloves must be worn and frequently misted with de-chlorinated water to stop them drying out. Bombina orientalis do not like or get used to being handled, it is very stress full to them and if not done correctly very dangerous. Not only will the salts in human skin irritate them but there is a risk of damaging a limb or tearing the skin. When cleaning the viv the safest and less stress full way for the frogs is to catch them in a tub which has been sprayed with de-chlorinated water. B.Orientalis also have toxins in their skin which can cause a rash and sickness if ingested by humans.
CONCLUSION
B.Orientalis are a great anura for any one starting out with amphibians. They are very hardy and will last years if given the proper care.