Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought 3 bufo alvarius when they where in season. and keep then in a 260 gallon tall reptarium that I originally intended for a chameleon, but decided against it. They took to captivity very well and where eating canned grasshoppers out of my hand after just a month.

Now they're burrowed inside my ficus tree pot that I have in there and never come out. They are way down there too, at the bottom of the 12'' deep pot. I don't mind if they are hibernating, I just want to make sure I take care of them right while they do. right now I'm just watering the tree like I normally would and I threw a few roaches in there just in case they wake up. Is there anything else that I should do?

Also what determines when they choose to hibernate? I kept a heat matt under them all the time, but it did get a little colder in my room when winter came around. but now its pretty warm in there and they still won't come out, so I'm guessing its more of a biological clock thing than by temperature. But I figured some one here would know more about it than me.

thanks for the help.

I have had toads hibernate but not alvarius.

I can add this shut off all heat source and remove all insects as they can actually nibble on the dormant toad.

Keeping them moist is great . They are on a clock and since wc are sticking to the clock though imagine cb born generations will do same.

cool thanks. I'll be sure get rid of the roaches then :-p