Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been living in the same house for about 6 years and have had a friendly toad that lives under my deck for most of that time. I'm moving to a new home in about a month and was wondering if relocating the toad is a good idea? The new house also has a large deck that he could live under and there's a decent sized pond a few feet away from the deck. The main reason I'd like to relocate the toad is that I'm afraid the new owners of our house won't keep an eye out for him like I do and might run over him with the lawn mower. I also don't want to stress the animal out by moving it, so I'm kind of torn as to what to do. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Adam

If the new area is safe enough that he's not going to easily wander onto a highway or something, then I lean toward yes. Obviously at least some toads can handle being relocated... if you don't believe me, ask any Australian...
I would put some thought into making his new lair as toad-friendly as possible before bringing him in... maybe pack a bunch of leaves, cocofiber, and/or sphagnum under there so you're sure he can dig in comfily... but honestly it sounds like if he does hop off he's better off living near a pond than under the porch of somebody who hates toads, or simply doesn't give a damn and sprays insecticide all summer long.
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0.1 2006 Western Hognose (Bebe)
0.1 age unknown Cane Toad (Hengo)
0.1 2005 White-Banded Sheen Skink (Minerva)
1.0 2006 Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Queequeg)
1.0 2006 Madagascan Speckled "Hognose" (Sigmund)
1.0 2008 Bullsnake (Winkle)
1.2 2008 Eastern Collared Lizards (Pancho, Lupe, and Chica)
2.0 2009 Eastern Collared Lizards (Cesar and Nino)

It's definitely very safe. He'll be very far from any busy roads since this new home is in the country. It really should be a perfect environment for a toad. I'll definitely pick up some sphagnum for him and check around the area for other toads before I bring him in. I just think his odds of survival are probably better being relocated with me than staying where he is with the new owners. Thanks for the tips, Jack!

I'm with you, relocate him, make his site comfortable and find him a mate!

Relocating them is frowned upon. There are many reasons to NOT relocate a toad or frog. Transferal of disease, fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens. Also many amphibians have very string homing senses and will try to return to their original home lands, many times getting killed in the process.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/BIGHYDRO

It doesn't matter now anyway, we moved already and I didn't see the toad in the days leading up to the move. Hopefully it works out for him/her.