Borneo Eared Frog Care (Polypedates otilophus)

Housing

Borneo Eared Frogs are easy to house. A large terrarium such as an 
18x18x24 Exo Terra Glass Terrarium is a good size for 2-4 juveniles or 
adults. Various substrates may be used. For a truly naturalistic display, 
finely ground coconut fiber covered with a layer of sphagnum moss is a 
good choice. When using sphagnum moss it should be pressed down 
and compacted so tht the moss is flat. This will greatly reduce the risk 
of the frogs ingesting any of the moss when eating, which can lead to 
intestinal impaction. Some keepers, especially breeders, prefer a more 
simple terrarium that allows for ease of maintenance and healthy conditi
ons. Paper towel is the choice of substrate for this sort of enclosure.  The 
damp paper towel should be changed a minimum of 2-3 times a week. 
Another popular substrate is called frog foam. It isn’t natural in appea
rance, but makes a very nice reasonably attractive substrate that helps 
keep the frogs in great conditions. Borneo Eared Frogs need constant 
access to fresh, clean dechlorinated water so a large water bowl is a 
must! Use an easy to clean dish as the frogs will defecate in it and it will 
require daily cleaning. Scrub the dish and disinfect with a 5% bleach 
solution or a reptile disinfectant such as ReptiSan. 
These frogs are easily kept in groups, especially when young. It is most 
important to ensure that all frogs are getting adequate food. Sometimes 
froglets will out-compete each other, and any smaller, less aggressive 
frogs should then be housed alone until they are larger and stronger. 
As adults, males may harass females by constantly trying to mate. If this 
happens, it is best separate the frogs or reduce the humidity. 

HUMIDITY 

Borneo Eared Frogs require moderately high humidity (60-70%). A digi
tal hygrometer should be used to ensure humidity is maintained in this 
range.Providing adequate ventilation is very important so the top of the 
terrarium should be at least half screen. Stagnant, humid conditions will 
quickly lead to bacterial skin infections in Borneo Eared Frogs. A large 
dish of clean water should always be provided and, as mentioned above, 
must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

HANDLING & ACTIVITY

Like all amphibians, frogs of any kind should not be handled. Their sensi
tive skins can be damaged by abrasions from your skin, and they absorb 
toxins such as oils and household chemicals from your skin. Captive dart 
frogs lose their own poisonous skin toxins, but they still should never be 
handled. They are fragile terrarium pets that should be observed and 
not interacted with.

 HEALTH

Properly maintained Borneo Eared frogs rarely encounter health problems

Sexing

Borneo Eared frogs are impossible to sex at the young age captive-bred 
specimens are normally sold at. However, it is fairly easy to sex adults. 
Females are much larger than males, with a wider and more stout head. 
Females will be about 1” longer than males, and are easily 50% heavier.