I live in central New Jersey and my sister has a koi pond that’s about four foot deep. Last year I left five bullfrogs out for winter because I was given some bad advise. I was told they will take care of themselves. This didn’t seem to be the case as when spring came they were all dead. I have eight new frogs this year and don’t want the same thing to happen to them.

My problem is that my sister won’t allow me to put any leaves or dirt in the pond for them to dig into (she keeps it really clean) so I would like to set something up for them this year to ensure their survival. I have a square Rubbermaid tub that’s about 55 gallons. I need some advise on how to set it up and what to put in it.(i.e. dirt, water, debris, heater etc.) If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

welcome to fishpondinfo! I have a good idea for this. If its possible you can keep the pond indoors cause its so small. I would get potted plants and rocks on the bottom of the pond. The frogs will bury themselves in the pots. Also the frogs will eat eachother because bulls are more solitary.

Thanks for the welcome, and your reply!

I would prefer they hibernate so I could avoid feeding during the winter.

As a last resort I was thinking about indoors but the only place I can use is my basement and it stays at about 60 degrees. I don't think that's cold enough for hibernation.

If the percentage for a successful outdoor hibernation is high enough I would prefer to keep them outdoors for the winter.

okay. i have frogs in my pond too had the same problem because i want it to look nice. I have 4 potted plants and i was told they would hibernate in the pots over winter.

That did'nt work for me.
I had plenty of plant pots in there that they could have used but did'nt.

they may move to a different pond or they will get out of the pond and make a burrow under the ground.

Have you read over http://www.fishpondinfo.com/frog3.htm which includes information on overwintering frogs? My winterizing page is at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/winter.htm
As long as the pond was kept open to allow gas exchange, did not freeze solid, and had some aeration (like an air stone), the frogs should have survived. I'm guessing that they didn't get enough oxygen. Normally, they are a little bit more intolerant of that than koi but koi can also die from lack of oxygen in the winter.

My bullfrogs and green frogs sleep under a few leaves or right in the open on the bottom of the pond on the liner. I also provide various pots in which to hide but the frogs make their own choices.

im planning on getting a heater and an airetor for the winter.