Amphibians
Gray tree frog care guide
Dryophytes versicolor
A hardy North American tree frog that changes between gray and green. It tolerates cooler rooms and a moderate humidity range.
Arboreal — vertical height first
Gray tree frog enclosure size
Arboreal — vertical height first. An adult gray tree frog should live in at least 18" L × 18" W × 24" H; we build toward 18" L × 18" W × 24" H (1.5 × 1.5 × 2 ft, roughly 2.3 sq ft of floor and about a 34-gallon glass equivalent).
- Hatchling / baby
- 12" L × 12" W × 18" H recommended · min 12" L × 12" W × 12" H
- Juvenile
- 18" L × 18" W × 18" H recommended · min 12" L × 12" W × 18" H
- Adult
- 18" L × 18" W × 24" H recommended · min 18" L × 18" W × 24" H
Temperature and heating
Room temperature is usually enough.
- Basking / warm surface
- Slightly warmer area around 80°F
- Warm side (ambient)
- 72–80°F
- Cool side (ambient)
- 65–72°F
- Night
- 60–68°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: Low UVB (2–5%) is beneficial. Run lights on a 12 hours on, 12 hours off photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 50–70%. Mist daily and keep a clean water dish.
Substrate and depth
Coco fiber or bioactive mix with leaf litter. Depth: 2–3 in.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Vertical branches
- Cork bark
- Plants
- Water dish
Build list
- Digital hygrometer + thermometer — Read humidity and temperature instead of guessing.
- Water conditioner / RO water — Chlorine and chloramine burn permeable skin.
Gray tree frog FAQ
How big should an adult Gray tree frog enclosure be?
At least 18" L × 18" W × 24" H, and we recommend building to 18" L × 18" W × 24" H — about 1.5 × 1.5 × 2 ft, or a 34-gallon glass equivalent. Arboreal — vertical height first.
What temperatures does a Gray tree frog need?
Basking or warm surface Slightly warmer area around 80°F, warm side 72–80°F, cool side 65–72°F, night 60–68°F. Room temperature is usually enough.
Does a Gray tree frog need UVB?
Low UVB (2–5%) is beneficial. Photoperiod: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
What humidity does a Gray tree frog need?
50–70%. Mist daily and keep a clean water dish.
What substrate is best for a Gray tree frog?
Coco fiber or bioactive mix with leaf litter, at a depth of 2–3 in.
How big does a Gray tree frog enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 12" L × 12" W × 18" H recommended, minimum 12" L × 12" W × 12" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Is there anything to be careful about when keeping a Gray tree frog?
Skin secretions irritate eyes and cuts. Wash hands before and after handling, never use soap or untreated tap water, and keep handling to a minimum. Wild-caught animals may be protected — check local laws.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own gray tree frog record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.