Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I'm new here, and I have an american toad that I've had for about 5 months now. I found him at a gas station sitting by the pump, it was quite funny actually. After reading some of the posts on this board it seems like I'm the only one that takes my toad out of its tank and lets it hop around. My toad seems to really enjoy having space to move around and I didn't see the big deal, because nothing ever happens to him. Is this bad??

Also do toads hibernate for the winter when they are in captivity? My toad has been putting on weight and I wasn't sure if it was because winter is coming soon. Or maybe hes just fat??

Also when they shed their skin are they supposed to eat it? When my toad was shedding he was eating it as he took it off. Wasn't sure if that was odd....

Looking forward to talking to other toad lovers!! Sometimes it seems like I'm the only one..I get weird responses when I tell people about my pet toad

do you handle them with your hands when you let them hop around? usually the rule of thumb is to not handle amphibians or let them come in contact with things around the house like floors because thier skin is sensative and could absorb toxins like household cleaners used in mopping or carper cleaners etc... if handling is a must its best to wet your hands first. if these steps arent taken i doubt it would kill your toad .. but it might, and better safe than sorry.

its normal for them to eat thier shed skin, it has lots of valuable nutrients.
it is possible for a captive toad to hibernate. it depends on the conditions in the encloser. temp, moisture and diet changes can bring on hibernation.
im curious , how do you have your cage/ tank set up?

I have a 10 gallon tank, with jungle mix, with terrarium plants, a ceramic pond and a sawed in half coccanut home.

Maybe I love my toad a little too much?? Maybe taking him out isn't necessary. I feel bad leaving him stuck in a tank all day. Nothing has happened to him so far when hes been out jumping around.

thats the setup i have for my fowlers toad, sounds like you are doing a good job. feed it some waxworms about once a month, mine love them and they are a good treat, but they shouldnt be the main food.
about taking him out, its up to you. like i said i doubt it would kill it, but better safe than sorry. and the skin could absorb something that would burn and you would never know.

happy toading