Comments on: How to Care for Toads

on 11/29/2005 I have several toads on my property, and I have trained my dogs to leave them alone. But I haven't heard tell of anyone petting their toads. When I rub their side, behind the ear, they lean into it like scratching a dog behind the ears. Switch sides and they will lean the other way also. This also works on their protruding belly side. They seem to like it, and won't hop away. I encourage my toad (Morris) to eat mosquitoes.

on 11/22/2005 Do not use any sand, small pebbles or calcium substrate! They will ingest these with their food, but can not pass it and will die. We had a small American Toad who was quite happy and well cared for until I mistakenly added some calcium substrate to the aquarium floor. Poor thing, it soon died. I felt terrible, especially after realizing what had happened.

on 11/22/2005 A true toad belongs to the Bufo family. True Bufos strongly prefer organic soil (or eco-earth or bed-a-beast) and a bowl of purified water that they can soak in. Toads do not swim. They can swallow gravel and pebbles when eating, so these should not be in their tank. Feed crickets (dusted with calcium dust only a few times a month) and earthworms as the main food. Avoid mealworms with amphibians.

on 11/22/2005 Always put a rock in there along with a bowl of rocks with water on top. They really like that. Don't forget mud, grass, and pebbles.

on 11/22/2005 Toads can also be fed worms.

on 11/22/2005 I'd make the tank mostly land with a small bowl with water in it. Toads usually live on land more than water.

on 11/22/2005 Toads will eat worms or any bug that is smaller than it. Keep a small dish of water in cage. Change water daily. Keep a small plant in cage. Toad will bury himself to keep cool.