November 13, 2022
      6 Comments
      Xavier Ozovek
An African Horned Frog.

                                           What is a pacman frog?

                                       What are these frogs growing in popularity that remind us all of our favorite childhood video game? Here you have it: The African Horned Frog. African horns, also called pacman frogs, are an interesting breed of frog that is sort of toadlike. They are almost all terrestrial, they only need a small water bowl, other than a whole terrarium full. Also, toadlike, the Pacman frog loves to dig and burrow. This species originates from South America, in warm humid climates.  Pacman frogs arrange in a variety of colors, from plain green, to strawberry red, to samurai blue, and far and few between.  Pacman frogs can grow massive, but, since they aren’t very active, they are fine with a twenty-gallon terrarium.  Pacman frogs can live for 12 years, and weigh about six ounces. Pacman frogs are nocturnal most of the night, possibly asleep for an hour at most, while they hop around, bath in their bowl, and hunt food the rest of the night.

                                                                                            Terrarium basics 

                                                                                                         As we mentioned above, Pacman frogs love to dig. And, obviously, to do that, they need dirt. Now, dirt may seem simple, but you can’t just pick out any dirt from the aisle. Pacman frogs need special dirt called “Coconut Coir”.    This dirt is made out of coconut fiber, which not only is healthy for Pacman frogs, but is also healthy for any live plants you decide to put in. Pacman frogs like temperatures no lower than 75°, yet no higher than 90°. Here at Xavier’s Exotics, ours stays at 80°. Their humidity levels should be no lower than 65% yet no higher than 90%. One way to control the humidity is to squirt. There are hundreds of different kinds of reptile and amphibian squirters, but there really isn’t any difference, for all it matters, you could use a regular squirt bottle from Walmart. This species isn’t very demanding, and don’t need that much light. In fact, room light may be enough. If you do choose to do light, then you should either do fluorescent lights, blue lights, and UVA/UVB, on a night/day cycle. If squirting the tank is too much, Which, unless you’re retired, it usually is, then you can get a humidifier. Humidifiers humidify the tank themselves, which is great if you have a busy life.  Moss is great for keeping the cage humid, as well as making the terrarium look good, so we recommend getting some moss at your local pet store. Our pacman frog has a tree with a hole in it that he likes to hide in. We recommend, though it’s 100% optional, to get a hide as well so that your pet can feel comfortable and safe whenever it wants. Also, you will need a thermo/hygrometer so that you can always monitor your pet’s temperature and humidity. You will probably also want a heating mat, in case the terrarium gets too cold, you could put both on.

                                                                                                                                  Feeding

                                                                            If there’s one thing that pacman frogs aren’t, it’s picky eaters. From crickets to mice, pacman frogs will eat just about anything they are given, which sometimes isn’t a good thing! Here is a list of things they can eat and nutrition facts*:

  • Silkworms: Silkworms are a great source of protein for frogs, and owners love them because they are super easy but also quick to grow. Silkworms make one of those meals which can be offered to frogs on a semi-regular basis.
  • Mealworms: This kind of worms are to be offered to frogs every now and then, more as a treat than a regular source of food.
  • Waxworms: Similar to mealworms, waxworms make a real tasty occasional treat for frogs. This particular type of worm is quite small but super rich with fat, so a maximum of five waxworms per week is recommended (for an adult Pacman).
  • Dubia Roaches: Dubia roaches surely make one of the basic parts of every frog diet. They are extremely high in nutrients and are softer when compared to crickets, which brings to an easier digestion.
  • Earthworms: Earthworms, such as nightcrawlers, are one of the favorite feeding options both for owners and frogs. They are super rich with necessary nutrients and minerals, and are extremely soft. Additionally, owners can easily find them in every better pet shop.
  • Gut-Loaded Crickets: Finally, gut-loaded crickets are another part of the basic diet plan of every frog, along with dubia roaches and earthworms. Gut-loaded crickets are especially abundant in proteins and other important nutrients.

Nonetheless regarding the insects you decide to feed your Pacman with, it is important to always offer them healthy and balanced quantities of food.

If your frog is not buried during feeding time, it is best for you to use tweezers or tongs when feeding it, to avoid unpleasant situations or bites.

On the other side, if your frog does not seem to want a meal before you go to sleep, simply place some food in their terrarium and leave it there. If there is any insect left alive in the morning, it is good to remove it from the terrarium, as that probably means that what is left was too much of a meal.

(*The food source information above comes from vivo.com.)

As well as these, big pacman frogs can eat feeder fish, pinkie mice (baby mice), other frogs, and chicks. Every other day, when you feed your frog, dust its food with reptile calcium, to help prevent metallic bones disease. When you change their water, squirter or humidifier, make sure you put water-De-chlorinator in. Spot-clean feces daily with a spoon or paper towel to prevent digestion as well.

A pacman frog eating a worm.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cleaning the terrarium

                                                                                 Though it may not be the job that’s most fun, it has to be done.  Even when the terrarium may seem clean, and you spot clean every day, you still should clean your frog’s terrarium every week. Even if you don’t see it, mold can grow, as well as parasites. Make sure you don’t use anything with chlorine or chemicals.

                                                                                       Handling

                                                                               Unfortunately, pacman frogs are what you’d call cuddling pets. Even though it may be tempting, pacman frogs don’t like to be held, and if threatened, will bite. Though they rarely bite their keepers, and we know firsthand it doesn’t hurt, you shouldn’t stress them.  Even with friendly frogs, try to limit handling to only necessary and with gloves. You see, frogs have absorbent skin, and will absorb the chemicals and bacteria on your hand and, depending on those chemicals and bacteria (soap, bug-spray, weed killer) can kill you’re frog.                          

                                        Do pacman frogs make good beginner pets? And if so, how expensive are they?

                                                                                                             The short and simple answer is yes! We think pacman frogs are great pets for kids and beginner amphibian owners, or just anyone who’s interested. Pacman frogs can be found very cheap and can be cared for very cheaply. The frog itself cost us $10.  For the terrarium, dirt, moss, hides and heaters, crickets, mealworms and frog combined costed us only about $125 when we first got him.  We 100% recommend the pacman frog for beginners.