How to Take Care of Toads

Toads are amphibians in the same family as frogs. Toads are typically brown and have dry, lumpy skin. The lumps on a toad's skin help the animal blend into its surroundings. Although some toads can swim in water, they primarily live on land. According to Reptile Channel, most toad eggs hatch into tadpoles, but some hatch into small toads. Many people find toads are interesting and keep them as pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium or terrarium
  • Coconut husk fiber, peat moss, leaf litter or cypress mulch
  • Hollow log, piece of wood or artificial plants
  • Water
  • Crickets, mealworms, waxworms, earthworms or superworms
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shelter your toad. Since toads should not wander around a home like cats or dogs do, you need to purchase an aquarium or terrarium made of plastic that is 12 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 24 inches long, according to Reptile Channel. This length and height provides enough space for a toad or two. However, make sure the tank has a cover that tightly fits over the top.

      A toad's tank should be 59 degrees F to 77 degrees F, according to Frog Forum. However, do not keep the tank in direct sunlight or near a heater unless the heater is specifically for reptile care. Reptile Channel recommends using a full-spectrum tank light with UVB output so your toad can get plenty of vitamin D from the light and absorb calcium properly.

    • 2

      Give your toad a place to dig. Toads like to burrow, so Frog Forum recommends placing coconut husk fibers, peat moss, leaf litter or cypress mulch in the tank. In addition, add a small, hollow log, rocks, a piece of wood or artificial plants in the tank to give the toad some extra places to hide and burrow.

    • 3

      Keep your toad hydrated. Place a bowl of fresh, shallow, de-chlorinated water in a toad's tank every day, and mist your pet daily with the same type of water in a spray bottle. According to Frog Forums, toads like to soak in water, but they are not good swimmers.

    • 4

      Feed your toad at dusk. Toads like to eat insects such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, earthworms or superworms. In addition, Reptile Channel states you can feed them local insects, moths, grubs, spiders, slugs or other insects they would eat in their natural habitat. Toads that are smaller than an inch should eat small insects such as flightless fruit flies or pinhead crickets. All toads need three to six different food items every two days. In addition, pet toads may need dietary supplements, which you should discuss with a veterinarian.