Dart Frog Vivarium

I have been enjoying my little Dart Frogs very much. The pair we have is Dendrobates tinctorius 'Patricia'. They are very easy to keep and fun to watch. They eat flightless fruitflies which I am raising. They need misting a few times a day and temps in the mid-70s in the day and cooler at night.

The most difficult part of keeping Dart Frogs is getting their tank just right for their needs.  They need high humidity and like live plants and plenty of places to hide.

For me, the tank set up is half the fun. I have been reading on forums and watching on YouTube about a technique using Great Stuff insulating foam to build up a background. I finally decided to give it a try.

I started with a 18"x18"x24" Exo-terra Terrarium. I had wanted the 18"x18"x18" size, but could not find one local. Dart Frogs are mostly terrestrial, so they do not need the extra height like many reptiles. Other equipment needed, Great Stuff foam, black 100% Silicone sealant, protective gloves and Eco-earth substrate.

The first step was to clean the tank with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry. Then I covered the back and a little bit of each side with a layer of the silicone. This step is probably not essential, but I didn't like the idea of the cream colored foam showing and the silicone allows for better adhesion of the foam. I allowed this to dry overnight. This step was very smelly and I would highly recommend doing outside or in a well ventilated area.

I then arranged some cork bark flats and a few rounds I had left over from the last tank set up. Then comes the fun part...the foam. It comes out very fast. I secured the cork pieces and then made little shelves and humps here and there. I also stuck a small plastic pot in the middle and covered this with foam.  This will make is easier to plant something higher on the back. This step did not take too long. Again, I let it set over night.

The last step was messy. The temp was nice today, so I moved it outside and I'm glad I did. I cut away any areas that didn't look natural or that I thought just seemed out of place. The foam cuts easily with a serrated steak knife. I then began applying the silicone to all areas of the foam. I would apply a small area with silicone and then use a gloved hand to spread it in and around all the little grooves. Gabe helped me with this step by applying the Eco-earth to the silicone. I did not allow this step to set overnight as the silicone dries quite quickly. A few hours later, I dumped out all the extra Exo-earth and used a small paint brush to clear away any extra. I missed a few spots and touched up where needed.

This is the finished product after adding all the substrate material and planting some bromiliads, vines, ferns and other plants. I added a larger piece of wood and some rocks. Right now it looks a bit sparse, but soon the plants will fill in and look much better. I also will be added some moss.

I am happy how it came out and am already planning for another. The new frogs are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I hope they like their new digs.

For a more detailed tutorial on this technique, check out this YouTube video.

Backyard Romance

Several years ago, we began raising Guinea Fowl. These very curious looking birds are voracious bug eaters and help tremendously with the over abundance of ticks. They are gentle birds and wander around our yard and our neighbors yard and the field and generally free range to their hearts content, devouring bugs along the way. In the winter they stay in the coop with our chickens, during the spring, summer and fall, they roost in the trees.

Through the natural order of things...predation, old age and the occasional car, we were down to one male bird this year. When milder weather came and he began spending more time outside, he started calling...not a particularly sweet call by any means, but a bird song I suppose just like any other bird. Well, low and behold, he attracted himself a female. I'm not sure where she came from, but there are a couple other families in the area that have Guinea Fowl, so I suppose she heard his song, liked what she heard and decided to join him.

Below, the male is the darker bird with the female in the front being a lighter more speckled variety.

We were concerned that she would lure him back to her main flock, but they have stayed here, seemingly content to call our yard home. I am very hopeful that she will hatch out a clutch of little ones a bit later in the summer. I will keep you updated on the happy couple.

We had two broody hens this summer. They would sit and sit and sit. I didn't think anything was going to come of it. Well, I was wrong. This little guy made is his appearance a few weeks ago. What a little fluff ball.

Unfortunately, the two hens started squabbling over the space and several other chicks did not survive. We finally took the rest of the eggs away. I'm not sure if they were still viable anyway with all the fussing going on.

The little guy, is doing well and has moved down to the floor with momma. She keeps a good watch over him and he is doing fine.

Isn't he so cute. Here mom is sharing some crusts of bread with him.

Newest Family Member

A side note to our new van story, when we went to test drive the new van, there were quite a few cats and kittens around the families house. Bessie was loving all the kittens and they were very friendly. We had recently come to the conclusion that our outside cat of 8 years had probably perished as he had not been around for several weeks. The man asked Bessie if she would like one of the kittens. She was so excited, we said yes.

So, here is little Tiger Lily, who came home with us when we picked up the van. Isn't she adorable. She is white and tiger striped, sweet as can be and very friendly.

Gabe is especially happy with her as our old cat was quite aloof and did not really like the younger children too much. Miss Lily lets him hold her and carry her around.

She was used to being an outdoor kitty at her old home and she will have to do the same here as we have several family members with cat allergies. Right now she is living in and out of our garage. Brian is installing a cat door for her, so she can easily get inside to her food and bed.

Cool Dog

Gabe took this photo and thought it should make the blog! So, here is Gracie the wonder dog doing her "Joe Cool" imitation.

Gracie Takes a Plunge

Over the winter, our pool liner finally gave way and split. The water drained from the pool down to the deep end. That is still quite a bit of water.

As Brian mowed the grass inside the pool enclosure, Gabe thought Gracie should have a swim. It didn't take her long to take the hint. Down the stairs she went and into the slightly green water. She had a blast swimming around and around. She just loves the water.

Bessie was a bit perturbed as she is usually the first one to take a swim each spring. Hopefully the new liner will be in soon and then you can be the first one in, Bess.

Bowling With Gus

Bessie's gerbil "Gus", enjoys a daily exercising in this little blue ball. He rolls around the floor with little concern for the people walking about.

Gabe and Dan lined up some of the blocks and watched with delight as Gus rolled around knocking them over. Hmmm...a new game perhaps, bowling with gerbils?