Frogs or tadpoles?

[RSJF]

Earlier this year I transfered some frogspawn from my neighbours pond to mine and expected it to turn to tadpoles, then frogs and disappear. It's now late September and I still have tadpoles in my pond! Why have they not fully developed???

[RSJF]

They've had 7 months to complete this process but they're still tadpoles taking gulps of air from the surface because they have lungs not gills. Surely as winter sets in they will die beneath the ice!!!

[Kelvin]

Metamorphosis from tadpoles to frogs depends on the thyroid gland being active. The thyroid is dpendent on the element Iodine to function. If your pond water is deficient in Iodine the tadpoles will not metamorphose. This can be added as iodide salts but if doing this be careful of overdosing.

[Haitch]

I wouldn't try and force to change at this time of year. I doubt they'll develop enough to survive the Winter as frogs. May be better to take a chance on them surviving the Winter as tadpoles. I've never found out if Rana Temporaria (The Common Frog) can hibernate in their larval state but I know their are some species that can. This would slow down their metabolic rate enough to survive even if the pond freezes over (which is what adults do). Amphibians are amazing creatures and can survive in some incredibly extreme climates. Post what happens on this site I'll be interested to know.

[RSJF]

Thanks for all your answers. I'll let you know what happens.