Defining Characteristics: 

• Uncommon in Captivity
• Striking Red Eyes
• Mimics Bird Poop
• Bold
• Easy to Breed
• Moderately Loud Call
• Great in Groups
• Nocturnal

Name: Theloderma asperum is a close relative of the ever popular Vietnamese Mossy Frog. Literally translating to 'Nipple Skin', frogs of the genus Theloderma are known for their unusual, bumpy texture. The common name of Theloderma asperum is the Vietnamese Bird Poop Frog, due to its outward appearance resembling bird droppings, especially when young. They have also been called Hill Garden Bug-eyed Frogs and Pied Wart Frogs.

Recommended Vivarium Size: A 10 gallon aquarium is suitable for 2-4 Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs, but Josh's Frogs recommends a 20H or 18x18x18 Exo Terra Glass Terrarium, as it will allow for easier cleaning. Here at Josh's Frogs we keep all Theloderma over water.

Temperature: They can tolerate a temperature range of 50 F to the high 70s F, but temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s are ideal, as well as what they prefer. Temperatures over 80F are dangerous.

Humidity: Like most frogs, Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs prefer a humidity range of 70 – 100%, but can tolerate humidity down to 50% for short periods of time if the frogs have access to water. Low humidity levels, especially without access to water, can quickly be fatal. Theloderma asperum is a fairly aquatic frog, easily spending most of its time at the water's edge, or even underwater. 

Size: Adult female Theloderma asperum frogs are larger, measuring in at approximately 1.75 inches. Male Theloderma asperum are a bit smaller, averaging about 1.25-1.5 inches at maturity. Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs tend to sex out evenly as male and female, which is pretty unusual for the genus.

Age: Theloderma asperum is capable of living over 5 years in captivity under ideal conditions. This species is fairly uncommon in the hobby, and actual longevity expectations are unavailable. The Theloderma asperum sold at Josh's Frogs are 2-3 months old.

Feeding: At Josh's Frogs, we feed our Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs dusted crickets. At 3/4", juvenile bird poop frogs can easily take 1/8" crickets, and even 1/4" crickets! Adults can consumer 1/2" crickets. Make sure to dust all prey items with a quality vitamin/mineral supplement. We place the crickets in floating food bowls in the Theloderma asperum habitat, to prevent crickets from drowning and fouling the water. To learn more about feeding these frogs, please watch our video on How to Feed Reed Frogs. We use the same technique with Theloderma asperum.

Sexing: They are not sexable until 6-8 months of age. Male Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs tend to be a bit smaller than females, which often appear both longer and wider. Males tend to have a red nuptial pad on the inside of each front foot that is bright red and swollen during breeding season, which can occur year round. Males also have a soft, hooting call, similar to an owl. Females appear very round at maturity, as they seemingly always are producing eggs.

Color/Pattern: Theloderma asperum is a very contrasting frog when young, resembling its sister species Theloderma stellatum. Froglets have a distinct white/gray patch on the dorsum, furthering the resemblance to bird droppings. Bright red eyes really make this small frog stand out.

Social Behavior: These frogs do well housed in groups their entire life, as long as enough space is provided. While bird poop frogs can breed in a pair just fine, Josh's Frogs recommends purchasing multiple frogs if you are interested in breeding them. Bird poop frogs breed great in groups.

Breeding: Theloderma frogs can be a challenge to breed and are still quite rare in the hobby, Theloderma asperum is a tree hole breeder. They prefer to lay eggs above water filled tree holes in dead trees, where the tadpoles drop down into the water below. These tree holes are often rather disgusting as far as water quality goes, and are filled with nutritious insect larvae. Here at Josh's Frogs we use round cork tubes to mimic tree holes.

Natural Range: The Vietnamese Bird Poop Frog is native to southeastern Asia, including Burma, India, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Sumatra, and Vietnam. Our breeding stock descends from animals collected in Vietnam.

History in the Hobby: Theloderma asperum is slowly becoming more common in the US herp hobby, but is still very scarce. Very few hobbyists produce Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs on a regular basis.

Links of Interest:

Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs - Wikipedia

Still not sure if Vietnamese Bird Poop Frogs from Josh's Frogs are the right frog for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!