Why Bushveld Rain Frogs Are the Cutest (and Strangest) Pets You’ll Ever Own

You know that feeling when you stumble across an animal so weirdly adorable, you immediately start Googling if you can legally own one?

That’s exactly what happened when I met my first Bushveld Rain Frog.

Spoiler: They’re not just legal — they’re oddly perfect pets, if you’re into creatures with permanent resting grump face and a flair for the dramatic.

Meet the Bushveld Rain Frog

Let me introduce you to one of the weirdest (and cutest) creatures I’ve ever seen — the Bushveld Rain Frog.

The first time I saw a video of one, I thought someone had stuck tiny legs on a potato. Turns out, it’s a real frog. And it’s glorious.

Trait	Description
Size	About 4-6 cm (tiny potato size)
Personality	Grumpy but harmless
Activity Level	Mostly burrows, rarely out
Noise	Squeaks when annoyed
Cuteness Level	11/10

Where Do They Live?

These little round grumps are found mostly in South Africa.

They love sandy soil, grasslands, and anywhere they can burrow and hide from the world.

Most of the time, they chill underground, avoiding the spotlight like a true introvert.

Why Are They So Round?

They don’t do the usual sleek frog thing.

Bushveld Rain Frogs are built like little living stress balls — round, puffy, and constantly looking slightly over it.

That chunky shape helps them stay moist underground, which is pretty smart if you think about it.

Their Best Party Trick

When they feel threatened, they inflate like a balloon.

Instead of hopping away, they just puff up and try to look tough — like a tiny frog version of a pufferfish.

It’s defensive… but also the funniest thing you’ll ever see.

The Permanent Grumpy Face

No matter the mood, they always look mildly disappointed in you.

They’ve got that same expression I wear when someone talks to me before coffee.

If you’ve ever wanted a pet that constantly looks like it’s judging your life choices, this is your frog.

I never expected to fall in love with a dirt-covered ball of sass, but here we are.

This frog might spend most of its life underground, but it lives rent-free in my head now.

Why Bushveld Rain Frogs are Weird (In the Best Way)

Bushveld Rain Frogs are not normal frogs. They don’t hop, they don’t swim, and they look like they’ve been judging you since birth.

But that’s exactly why they’re amazing.

They Waddle, Not Hop

Most frogs hop gracefully. Bushveld Rain Frogs? They waddle like tiny, unimpressed penguins.

It’s like they tried hopping once, hated it, and said, “Never again.”

They Live Underground Like Tiny Hermits

Instead of swimming in ponds, they spend their time buried underground. They only pop up after rain, like they have a personal grudge against dry weather.

I always picture mine muttering, “Fine, I’ll come out… but I’m not happy about it.”

They Puff Up Like Angry Balloons

When they feel threatened, they don’t run or hide. They just inflate into round little balloons to look tough.

The first time mine did it, I laughed so hard I almost fell over.

They Squeak Like Chew Toys

Croaking? Not their thing. Instead, they make the most ridiculous high-pitched squeaks when they’re annoyed. The first time I heard it, I thought a dog toy was stuck under my couch.

Nope — just my frog, complaining about life.

What Makes Bushveld Rain Frogs Surprisingly Good Pets

I never thought a frog could be the perfect pet. Then I discovered the Bushveld Rain Frog. They’re weird, adorable, and way easier to care for than you’d expect.

1. Low-Maintenance Lifestyle

They’re not needy. No daily walks, no constant attention. Just a comfy terrarium, some moisture, and food.

Need	Bushveld Rain Frog	Dogs & Cats
Exercise	None	Daily walks or playtime
Attention	Minimal	High
Space	Small terrarium	Whole house
Noise Level	Squeaky toy sounds	Barks, meows, zoomies

No mess, no stress. Just vibes.

2. They’re Hilariously Entertaining

Ever seen a frog throw a tantrum? These little guys puff up and squeak when they’re annoyed. It’s like a tiny, angry marshmallow.

They also waddle instead of hopping. I once saw mine try to chase a cricket, and it was the slowest, funniest thing ever.

3. You Don’t Have to Be a Frog Expert

Some exotic pets need insane setups. Bushveld Rain Frogs? Not so much.

A simple terrarium with moist soil
A hiding spot
Some insects for food

That’s it. No fancy lights, no complex diets. They’re like the introverts of the pet world—happy in their little bubble.

4. They Have Big Attitude in a Tiny Body

Despite their size, they act like they run the place. Mine gives me judgmental stares whenever I check on him. It’s like having a tiny, grumpy landlord in a glass box.

If you want a pet with personality but without the hassle, this is your frog.

Things to Know Before Getting a Bushveld Rain Frog

Before you go hunting for the cutest grumpy frog on the planet, there are a few things you need to know.

These frogs are adorable, but they come with some quirks.

What They Need	Why It Matters
Moist soil	They’re burrowers, not climbers
High humidity	Keeps their skin happy
Minimal handling	They prefer personal space
Nighttime watching	Daytime = nap time

They Need the Right Setup

You can’t just toss them in a fish tank and call it a day.

They need a cozy terrarium with:

Moist soil they can burrow into
Humidity levels that match their natural habitat
Places to hide when they’re feeling shy

I learned this the hard way when my first setup was basically a sandy desert. Oops.

Hands-Off Pets

If you’re dreaming of a frog that loves to cuddle, this isn’t your guy.

Bushveld Rain Frogs prefer you admire them from a distance.

They puff up if they feel threatened, and honestly, they look like angry marshmallows when they do.

They’re Night Owls

These frogs are most active at night.

So if you’re expecting daytime entertainment, you’ll mostly be watching a lump of dirt.

But if you’re a night owl like me, you’ll catch their hilarious waddles and occasional squeaks.

They’re Not Always Easy to Find

Not every pet shop carries Bushveld Rain Frogs. You might have to find a breeder or an exotic pet dealer.

It took me weeks of internet sleuthing to finally track down my grumpy little potato. If you’re cool with a pet that prefers personal space and a little mystery, you’ll love them.

If you want something to snuggle, maybe stick to dogs.

How to Setup the perfect Home for Bushveld Rain Frog

When I first brought my Bushveld Rain Frog home, I realized pretty fast — this isn’t a goldfish situation.

They need a setup that feels like their natural underground paradise.

The Tank

A 10 to 20-gallon tank works perfectly.

They’re tiny, but they love to burrow, so floor space matters more than height.

I picked a tank with a lid because these little guys can surprise you with their climbing attempts (not great ones, but still).

The Substrate (Fancy Word for Dirt)

This part is crucial — they need soft, moist soil they can dig into.

Here’s my go-to mix:

Coconut fiber (holds moisture well)
Some organic topsoil (no fertilizers or chemicals)
A sprinkle of sphagnum moss (keeps humidity up)

I made the mistake of using sand once. My frog just sat there, looking deeply offended.

Humidity and Temperature

Humidity should stay around 70-80%.
A simple spray bottle misting every day does the trick.
Temperature should hang out between 70-80°F.

I keep a little thermometer and hygrometer stuck to the side of the tank because I’m paranoid like that.

Hiding Spots

Even though they burrow, they still like a cozy hideout above ground.
Small logs, half-buried cork bark, or even a fake leaf pile works.
Basically, think “tiny frog bunker.”

Water Dish (Optional but Nice)

They don’t swim much, but a shallow water dish gives them options.
I keep one in the corner just in case my frog feels fancy.

Quick Checklist

Item	Why It Matters
10-20 gallon tank	Space to roam (aka waddle)
Moist substrate	Digging = happy frog
High humidity	No one likes dry skin
Hides	Privacy, please
Water dish	Optional frog spa

Set it all up before bringing your frog home.

Trust me, watching your frog explore a perfect setup is way more fun than panicking with dirt everywhere.

what to feed your Bushveld Rain Frog?

Feeding a Bushveld Rain Frog is pretty easy, but they are picky eaters with a taste for live snacks.

Their diet mostly consists of small insects like crickets, roaches, and worms. They want their food wiggling, so forget about tossing in pellets or dried bugs — they’ll just sit there judging you.

I like to offer a variety so my frog doesn’t get bored (and to make sure they get all the nutrients they need). One day it’s tiny crickets, the next it’s a juicy waxworm treat.

Here’s a simple breakdown of their menu:

Food	How Often
Small crickets	3-4 times a week
Small roaches	2-3 times a week
Waxworms	Once a week (treat only)
Earthworms	Occasionally

It’s important not to overfeed because these frogs can get chubby fast. A round frog is cute, but an obese frog is a health risk.

I also dust their insects with calcium powder a couple of times a week to keep their bones strong. Think of it like a frog multivitamin.

Pro Tip

Always feed them at night when they’re naturally more active. Tossing bugs in during the day usually just leads to ignored bugs and awkward staring contests.

Bushveld Rain Frog common health issues

Bushveld Rain Frogs are hardy, but they’re not invincible.

The most common problem I’ve seen (and heard from other owners) is shedding issues. If the humidity is too low, they can struggle to shed their skin properly, and you might see bits of old skin stuck to them. It’s gross, but fixable with better humidity.

Obesity is another big one. They’re not super active, so if you’re feeding them too much or giving fatty treats too often, they can balloon up pretty fast.

Sometimes they can get skin infections if their substrate gets too dirty or stays too wet for too long. I learned the hard way that cleaning the tank regularly is way easier than dealing with a grumpy frog on antibiotics.

Here’s a quick health cheat sheet:

Issue	Signs	What to Do
Shedding problems	Patchy, stuck skin	Increase humidity, gentle soak if needed
Obesity	Rounder than usual, sluggish	Cut back on treats, smaller portions
Skin infections	Red patches, sores	Vet visit + clean habitat
Parasites	Weight loss, odd poop	Vet check and possible deworming

If you catch issues early, they’re usually easy to fix.

Most problems come down to habitat conditions, so if their tank is clean, moist, and comfy, you’re already ahead of the game.

Final Thoughts

Owning a Bushveld Rain Frog feels a bit like living with a grumpy, squeaky avocado — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

They’re weird, adorable, and packed with more personality than something that small should legally have.

If you love pets that make you laugh, confuse your friends, and occasionally judge you from their dirt burrow, this is your perfect match.

Sure, they’re not cuddly, and they won’t do tricks, but they’ll absolutely waddle their way into your heart.

I thought I was just getting a frog — turns out, I got a tiny, dramatic roommate with a flair for theatrics.

And honestly, life’s just more fun with a Bushveld Rain Frog in it.

Why Bushveld Rain Frogs Are the Cutest (and Strangest) Pets You’ll Ever Own