Dendrobatids do not produce their own toxins. The best way to think of Dendrobatids (dart frogs), is to compare them to some sort of chemical refinery. In the wild, these animals eat a variety of insects that are loaded with chemicals called alkaloids. The insects have these alkaloids generally as a result of eating plants found in the rainforest containing these chemicals. The dart frog then eats these insects, and the alkaloids accumulate in theri body. The frogs then make some subtle changes to these chemicals, changing them from weakly toxic, to increidbly toxic. However, captive dendrobatids have NO alkaloid source, and are therefore non-toxic for all intents and purposes. Even wild-caught indiviuals lose their toxicity after being in captivity for a few months.
As for handling, these animals should be treated like a fish. That of course means NO handling. Any pics that you see of people holding these frogs are the exception rather than the rule. You should not handle your dendrobatids. The only time I ever touch mine, is if they have to be "shooshed" into a deli cup, and even then it is only for a split second if at all. Amphibians should not be handled. If people want pets they can cuddle with, kittens are a better pet for them than amphibians. It is not for your own safety that you should not handle dart frogs (I have had fresh wild mantella imports hop along my arms), but it is instead for their safety. Though there is NO danger of any sort of toxins from a captive bred dart frog under normal circumstances, these frogs should not be handled because their skin is delicate, and will absorb whatever chemicals are on your hands, be it soap, or even the oils in your skin.
If you are interested in dart frogs, do some reading. I would recommend you to check out Mark Pepper's website at
www.understoryenterprises.com if you wish to purchase some animals, but you are American, and Mark is located in Canada. Instead, try
www.aaronsfrogfarm.com if you are looking for frogs.
Good luck.
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dart frogs
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