Care Sheet for ToadsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 3.97 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 08/26/2004 |
Main Category: | Aquatic/Land |
Sub Category: | Toads |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Versicolor |
Years Experience: | 10 to 15 Years |
Species: | American Toad (Bufo Americanus) |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Most "True Toads" (family Bufonidae) including
Fowler’s Toad (Bufo Fowleri)
Woodhouse Toad (Bufo woodhousii)
note: This sheet concentrates on Bufo species found in midwestern and eastern United States, and eastern Canada. |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Females are usually larger than males, sometimes only slighty larger.
Size: 2-3.5 inces in length
Colors range from gray, light or dark brown. Light stripe down back.
American Toads have no more than 2 warts within the largest spots on the back. |
Mostly Active During: | Night |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Peat moss, gravel, or soil subsrtates can be used. A combination is perhaps best. Water should not take up more than 10-15% of housing. |
Lighting and UVB: | Medium sunlight or low wattage reptile bulbs can be used. Always ensure toads have ample shaded area. Light needs to be shut off at nightime to ensure proper photocycle. These toads are nocturnal and primary activity begins early to mid evening. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Day temp: 68-72 degrees F.
night temp: drop to 55-60.
humidty need not be altered unless you live in a more extreme climate. Daily misting can be used to increase humidity if necessary. |
Heating and Equipment: | Do not use heat rocks. Certain light bulbs (including UVB for nightime) are specifically designed for heat production. A thermometer strip or gauge is highly recommended. |
Caging Provided: | A 10 gallon can house 2-3 toads. If your specimens are large, go with 2. |
Diet: | Carnivorous |
Description of Diet: | These toads will eat any adequetly sized live invertebrates. Crickets are the most nutritious and accesible food source and should be the mainstay in the diet. However waxworms, earthworms, and feeder fish can be used as an occasional treat. One average size cricket per toad every other day is adequate. Over feeding occurs much more often then underfeeding, but both can be lethal. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | A general powder supplement is vital for a long lifespan. Use no more than twice a week. |
Maintenance: | Water should be changed every 1-2 weeks. The entire tank should be cleaned every 3- 3 1/2 weeks. |
Some Words on this Species: | These are hardy species, ideal for beginner and expert alike. If you are looking for an alternative to the much more active Firebelly Toad, you may want to get yourself a Bufo. |
How Members Rated
This Care Sheet | Rate This Care Sheet
Please keep all comments constructive to American Toad (Bufo Americanus) husbandry methods and care. Any degrading, sarcastic, or disrespectful comments will be removed. |
Total Members Rating: 31
| 1 |  ( 1 ) |
| 2 |  ( 0 ) |
| 3 | ( 5 ) |
| 4 | ( 13 ) |
| 5 | ( 11 ) |
|
|
