Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, i have some question. I am a turtle guy and one of my friends recently gave me three little toads caught in the pine barrens in south jersey. Not sure what type of toads they are they are either spadefoots or just your basic american toad. They are tannish in color with redish black markings(spots circles). Is there any good sites for basic care? Are they hard to raise in captivity? right now I have them in a 20 gallon aquarium. Half of it is dry potting soil. The other half is moist potting soil mixed with vermiculite. I also have some sand in there too. Half the vermiculite is covered with sphagnum moss. I also put about 2 dozen isopods in there for food, haven't been eaten yet. How often do you need to feed them? What should i keep the temp at? How much water should be in there. Sorry for all the questions, like I said i'm a turtle guy.

Hi,

Assuming these are juvenile American Toads, here is the care that I would suggest:

TANK:
20 gallon tank is fine for now. You may want to upgrade to a larger tank when they are adults.

SUBSTRATE:
I recommend a product called Lizard Liner. It is a carpet-like ground covering that is excellent for use with juvenile toads. It is easy to spot clean, and eliminates the possibility of impaction.

TEMPERATURE:
American Toads are not too picky about the temperature. An average temperature between 70-80 is fine.

WATER:
You'll need a shallow water dish for the toads. Fill the dish with just enough water that they can sit in the dish with their heads above water level and make sure they can easily go in and out. It is important to remember to always use either dechlorinated tap water or Spring Water. Also, be sure to clean the bowl thoroughly each day and refill it with fresh water.

LANDSCAPE:
It is important to provide some good hiding spots for your toads. You can probably find some nice artificial hollow logs and rock caves at your local pet store.. they work well with toads. Also, you can add plastic plants, drift wood and decorative rocks. Be creative!

DIET/FEEDING:
It is recommended that you feed your toads a varied diet, along with a vitamin-calcium supplement which can be dusted LIGHTLY onto their food before feeding. Since these toads are juveniles, pinhead crickets and fruitflies are good, appropriately sized food choices. Juveniles should be fed every day. 2-3 pinheads per toad. I would dust their food lightly 3 days a week.

ENVIRONMENT:
Try to provide your toads with a quiet environment and always avoid direct sunlight. Also, be sure not to use any type of sprays around the tank, this can be deadly to your toads.

HANDLING:
Handling should be kept to a minimum. When you must handle your toads, make sure your hands are cleaned before and after handling.

Good luck!

thanks for the info i appreciate it. what about moisture level, i have the cage pretty moist from the moss and sphagnum. Do they like drier substrate. Thanks

Hi.

Moss and sphagnum are not necessary. They will get all the moisture they need from the shallow water dish. Just follow the guidelines I have outlined and you're all set.

Good luck.