Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just removed what I believe was a Couch Spadefoot Toad from my pool this evening and relocated it to a wash near my house. I usually find at least one every year during the summer monsoon's in or near my yard. I was wondering how hard they are to keep in captivity? I know that they spend a large part of their lives underground in burrows. Does anyone keep these in captivity?

Thanks

Machinegun

I dont have couch's spadefoots, but i do have great basin spadefoots. I can't imagine them being too different in care. Im not sure. Anyways i keep my spadefoots in peat moss or potting soil kept basically dry with a small amount of humidity except for one corner where it is damper(here the water dish and spaghnum moss lay. They are relatively unshy and eat bugs(dead or alive) from my fingers. I do not guarantee that an adult will tame down the same, as i got mine as juvies from a breeding pond. They are very messy at night and plaster dirt on the sides of the tank after going in the water dish(though they do sit out sometimes in the middle of day) so i have to wipe the sides down with a paper towel or something. I love my spadefoots anyways and im sure you will too. I dont recommend cage furniture as they dig it right up anyways. Mine are in a ten gallon tank and they have a 40 watt bulb over one end. The male croaks happily and i can get him to croak by "croaking" myself. Im sorry i rattled on forever, but one more thing. YOu might want to check with fish and game to see if they are legal to collect in your area. Ask if you need any more help!!
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Paullywog

If it has scales or smooth wet skin... snatch it!!!