Caring for a Pet Toad

Think toads are cute? Ever wanted to keep one as a pet but was never sure how to care for it? Well let me give you some tips on how to care for your pet toad.

First you have to find a toad, if you don't already have one. Toads are more commonly seen during rainy days late in the evening, hopping around looking for food. When it's wet and the leave the swampy damp areas they hang out in. If you go out on a rainy night with a flashlight you may find one jumping around in your back yard. This also depends on the type of toad. If you live near a swamp, marsh, or some type of wet lands, even a forest area, you have a much better chance of seeing one.

You have to have a place for you toad to call home, a fish tank works great. No smaller then a 10 gallon tank. If you have a larger toad use a larger tank. Even if you don't have a big toad the bigger the tank the better. The more space you give your toad the more enviorment and moving space you can create. Giving it a little less feeling of being contained and stressed. This is also something to watch for, if the toad is stressed it may refuse to eat. Although if he's recently eaten and has a full tummy right before you caught him it may be a couple of days before he's hungry. I'll get back to this in a minute, lets continue with setting up the tanks enviorment.

Once you have  your tank make sure it's cleaned and ready to use. Make sure you don't use chemicals to clean the tank especially inside unless you are 100% sure you've gotten all residue removed as this can harm the toad. All you should really use is hot water and a mild dish soap. Make sure you dry the inside of the tank really well as most tap water can contain chlorine, unless you have well or a filtered system, using paper towels. Cloth towels and rags can leave behind any soap residues used when put through the wash. If you use dryer sheets/fabric softner this too can rub off a cloth towel and contaminate the tank.

Ok so we have a clean dry tank and we're ready to start creating an little enviornment for your toad. First you want to add about 4-5 inches of soil to the bottom of the tank, you can add more if you would like to add a type of small live plant to grow inside. This can be a little bit of soil from your yard or you can purchase a small bag of soil for your local garden center. Not potting soil, or any dirt that contains growth agents for plants. *Keep the soil moist, by misting it every other day. Do not make it muddy, just moist so it's not dry. Also remember to use de-chlorinated water. Or tap that has been allowed to sit out 24 hours or longer.

Once you have added your soil  you will want to add an area of water in the tank. For this find a container that you don't mind using like an old tupperware dish. You'll want it to be short enough, height wise, to just come level with the soil. Pick a side of the tank where you would like to place it. Push the soil to the side, so that you are placing the container right on the bottom of the tank. Then level the soil around the container, all around the edges so that it's even with the soil. *Remember that when you fill the conainer with water to use de-chlorinated water. If you'r going to use tap water, let it set out uncovered for 24 hours or more. This will allow the chlorine to evaporate making it safe to use.

Now it's just adding things to creat enviorment. You can add quite a few things to make your toad feel a little more at home. Here's some things you can add.

Some medium sized rocks are a great addition to the tanks enviorment.

You can put a thin layer of hummus in a corner or the opposite side of the water container.

Small live plants can be added this can also make it look nice too.

You can add a small hollow log or half a hollow log. This provides a place for the toad to retreat to, they like to hide places. I've heard of using empty toilet paper rolls, but these will become soggy and ruin and don't really look natural. If you can't find a small hollow log you can use a good sized piece of tree bark. If you don't provide a little hiding place you may notice your toad burrow himself in the dirt.

Also some twigs can be place here and there to make it more like the forest floor.

I've known some to add leaves and dry grass to the tank but when wet for a period of time this will start to decay and break down and could cause mold or fungus to grow. So I really don't reccomend adding anything like that.

Once you've set it up the toad is ready to enter his new home. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling your toad. More then likely he will hop to one side or the other and press against the glass. You should leave him be and allow him to get to know his new home.

Now feeding your toad. Yes, toads like to eat bugs, they'll eat almost anything you can find. With the exception of poisonous spiders, stink bugs, and the like. While if they are really hungry they may eat these things but this could cause your toad to become sick. If your really unsure, you'r best bet is moths, crickets, grass hoppers and beetles. Nothing too large, while you can see the size of your toads mouth you don't want to give it something that's too large they cant eat it. If you don't like searching for creepy crawlies in your back yard then you can always try your local pet store. Many carry crickets that you can buy to feed your toad. This is helpful if your planning on keeping your toad during the winter, since insects will all be in hibernation. In the colder part of the world anyway. If your local pet store does not carry crickets, try a fish store, or tackle shop. You can also buy them online. You'll just have to make sure you make your next order before you run out or you'll be waiting for them come while poor toad is hungry. *You can add a dozen crickets to the tank, this will ensure food is available at all times for about a week or so. If you'r going on a trip and will be gone for some time this is a good idea.

Now real quick back to the subject of your toad not eating. Don't panic right away, put some crickets, I say crickets because they can live in the tank for quite some time, in the tank and allow a few days. Now the crickets may hide so you may want to add a one or two each day just to see if he's eating. If you put a few cheerios out in an open area, the crickets will come out and eat them exposing themselves for lunch. If the toad has not eaten for more then 4-5 days it's probably best to release him back into the wild as some will are just stubborn like that and will not eat. I've only had this happen a few times, as most become adjusted to their new home very well.

Thanks for reading, I hope I was able to help you learn a little on how to care for your new little friend. Have fun and all the best with caring for your new pet. ~~