American Green Tree frog help.

Question
Three days ago I purchased two green tree frogs from the pet shop. Before I put them in to their new how they were a bright leaf green color and looked like the pictures on the web etc. But almost within a few hours after putting into the tank they changed in to a dark/brown color and I must add their appitite is really small as I keep placing crickets in but they dont hunt for them. I have even tried feeding them with metal tongs. Is this a serious problem because I have been stressing non stop to get the humidity right for them. They have fake trees and moss on the bottom and I spray inside the tank with water regularly. Can you help me as I want my frogs to be happy and stress free.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi John, As long as the frogs looked normal and healthy when you chose them then I really doubt that you have anything to worry about. Turning brown is not considered an ominous health sign. Even something as seemingly primitive as a frog is well aware of a complete environmental change. They likely just need some time to settle in. Green trees will remain brown when they are cool. If your ambient room temp is in the low 70'sF  then you should add a small wattage light to the tank to bring a portion of it up a bit to around 78 - 80 F during the day. Even a bit warmer is fine. Mine were always kept in a community tank with green anoles with a temperature gradient into the mid 80'sF. I also tend to think they remain brown more often in a poorly lit tank. They like moderately high humidity but don't sacrifice good ventilation to achieve it. Mold growth can cause serious problems with frogs. They tend to sleep up in upper corners on the glass but provide them with lots of large leafed foliage for security and no handling unless absolutely necessary. I always recommend an aquarium water conditioner to remove both the chlorine and chloramines.

They are quite strongly nocturnal so don't expect to see a lot of hunting activity during the day. They should generally remain in a tightly pulled-in sleeping position during the day unless they have been recently disturbed. Over the years I've noted that one of the early indicators of health problems is seeing them awake or sitting in the water in the daytime. Sleeping with the legs and front feet loosely splayed out rather then tightly tucked under is another red flag.
I think your frogs are just fine. Warm them up a bit. When you are anxious about your new pets the hardest thing to do is nothing but I think they just need some time.