Toad Care

Toads  can be fun, fascinating and extremely inexpensive pets, especially for younger children. However, as you would before buying any pet, there are a few things to make sure of before you go out and buy the first toad you see at the pet shop. If you do your homework, your toad will bring you countless years of happiness.

It's not easy being green

Keeping your toad healthy is not as simple as it may seem. Keep a watchful eye on how active it is when you get it home. A healthy toad will try to escape if it senses that you are trying to handle it. Your toad should not be too skinny and should be symmetrical on both sides of the body. If possible, have a veterinarian check over your toad before it settles into its new home.

It would be best for your toad to keep it in a quieter place in your home. The transition can be pretty stressful for your pet, so keeping it in a quieter place will do wonders in making the adjustment a smooth one. As your toad gets acclimated with his new home, he'll be less shy and will start exploring his living arrangements.

What you'll need

Most amphibians' needs are very similar, so don't be surprised to see similar products in guides for other reptiles and amphibians.

Terrarium  A standard 15-gallon terrarium  (24 inches long by 12-inches high by 12-inches wide) should be plenty big for a toad. Comes in four variations. Terrestrial Best suited for toads that prefer a dry climate. Acquatic Essentially the same living situation as tank fish. Half and Half The most commonly used set up. Usually filled 3/4ths with water and 1/4 land. Arboreal Tall design suits toads that spend most of their time in trees.	Bedding  Come in washable,  disposable  and even edible varieties.  Keeps the terrarium clean and makes it safer for your pet to live in. Buyers also have the option of adding sand  to their tanks to enhance the simulated living arrangements for their toads.	Food  Toads generally dine on crickets,  which can be found in most pet stores. If you don't want to touch the crickets, you can make a cricket house,  perhaps with an empty yogurt container, or you can buy one pre-made.

Things toads like

Scenery  Add an array of things to your toad's terrarium, including waterfalls,  shrubs,  or volcanoes.	Hiding Places  Absolutely necessary, considering that all reptiles like to hide when they're startled. Hiding places come in a variety of sizes and styles, including caves and large rocks.	Heat  Tank heaters  can be used to further simulate a frog's ideal living situation. Heaters are designed for use either in the tank  itself or underneath it.

What to feed your toad

Toads are carnivores and most are partial to insects. Crickets are safe bets, as well as mealworms. The problem with mealworms,  however, is that the ratio of meat to skeleton is rather low, which may leave a large amount of indigestible shell for your toad to digest, causing all sorts of digestive problems. A great alternative to mealworms are the Zophoba worms,  which have a better ratio of meat to skeleton and may not be as problematic to your toad's digestive system. If your toad requires mice, it's a good idea to feed it the pre-killed variety and wiggle it in front of them. Live mice are defensive and may hurt your toad. Whatever your toad eats, you should dust the food with vitamin and mineral powder, which makes their meals even more nutritious!

External Links

• Centralpets.com: Detailed care sheet for frogs and toads.
• Grizzlyrun.com: Fire-bellied toad directory