Froglet Horror
Did it AGAIN---uggggg Reason and short story.
So in Feb of 2020 before lock downs- I had the opportunity to get some tadpoles for the second time. First time was great and had wonderful success and still have a few today.
So picked up 10 tadpoles from a breeder that I have done business with. During the exchange I gave him 4 adult females with the understanding he would supply me with (Minimum) 40 tadpoles to be collected over undetermined timeframe. I told him if I have sucess I probably would not want any more. Good deal for both of us.
So about 2 to 3 weeks later all was going well and tadpoles were morphing as planned. EXCEPT they needed to get their front legs to pop out of pouch.
These are actual pictures of the issue. Remember, I am not an expert just a hobbyist with a little understanding how it all works, not problems.
Well!!!!!! the froglets started leaving the water without the full front legs, so I figured (since I see the arms) they will pop out soon. Remember I really didn't know of problems that could happen (huge learning experience). Then after a few days, the babies started dyeing off one by one.
With 9 baby gone, I decided to try and force feed the last one. He lived a few weeks but eventually did not make it. The last one and a few others didn't even have front legs.. I was so confused as what I did wrong...
I was looking for a home for my adult high red pac-man frogs and a breeder wanted to trade me a few Whites tree frogs for the pac-mans.
I shared my issue and he told me this is what happens when breeders use hormones to induce breeding. I contacted they guy whom traded me the tadpoles and he said, he did not have the issue with the other 1,000 tadpoles. Then ghosted me.
I just wanted good on the other 30 maybe with different batch since I didn't think the problem was with his tadpoles.
So almost 2 years later I see tadpoles for sale.. I asked if he was the guy I had purchased from before and he said "NO".
I drove to pick-up and said, Hey remember me? He said, "Yes" but never brought up the tadpoles having issues. So, during conversation about his moving he told me he had 1,000's of tadpoles that did not grow front lets (he knew he did me wrong).
So, I am just SO glad this thread worked out. Now ya know why "AGAIN" uggg was a mental challenge for me-- I tried so hard to keep the 2 legged frogs alive but failed

...
Note: The guy actually changed his practice and no longer induce breeds his stock (heard of the process but didn't know this breeder used it).. He lost way more $$$$ trying to beat mother nature.
Thanks for all your time and interests...
Peace!