If you want a pet that you can cuddle and carry around with you all day long, an amphibian is probably not the right choice for you. There are three good reasons for this: (1) the skin of frogs and salamanders is a sensitive, delicate organ and can be easily traumatized by repeated handling; (2) certain frogs, toads, and salamanders can release toxins from their skin that can be quite irritating to eyes and mucous membranes; and (3) amphibians can be carriers of bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans through close contact.
If you must pick up your amphibian, don a pair of disposable gloves. Be sure the gloves are free of surface powder, as this can be quite irritating to the sensitive skin of amphibians. For best results, moisten your gloved hands prior to handling. Use cupped hands to gently scoop up your pet. Avoid squeezing it to prevent its escape. That act alone probably causes more injuries to captive amphibians and reptiles than all other sources combined. Because of their slimy skin, amphibians can easily slip out of your hands and fall to the ground, causing serious injury or death. As a result, always keep your hands near a supporting surface just in case you lose your grip.
If transporting your amphibian more than a few yards, use a small container filled with moss as your means of transport. Be sure your container has a lid containing holes to allow for ventilation. If transporting for a prolonged period of time, mist your traveler every 20 minutes to prevent dehydration.
If you must pick up your amphibian, don a pair of disposable gloves. Be sure the gloves are free of surface powder, as this can be quite irritating to the sensitive skin of amphibians. For best results, moisten your gloved hands prior to handling. Use cupped hands to gently scoop up your pet. Avoid squeezing it to prevent its escape. That act alone probably causes more injuries to captive amphibians and reptiles than all other sources combined. Because of their slimy skin, amphibians can easily slip out of your hands and fall to the ground, causing serious injury or death. As a result, always keep your hands near a supporting surface just in case you lose your grip.
If transporting your amphibian more than a few yards, use a small container filled with moss as your means of transport. Be sure your container has a lid containing holes to allow for ventilation. If transporting for a prolonged period of time, mist your traveler every 20 minutes to prevent dehydration.
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