American Toad
General: The American Toad (Bufo americanus) is a terrestrial species that lives in a variety of woodland habitats. It is nocturnal and hides during the day under logs, stones, and leaves. It normally walks, but will hop when alarmed. It is common in Pennsylvania and quite often they are discovered in the back yard in summer after a rain. The color of the American Toad is primarily brown, with lighter spots, and a light stripe down the back.
Natural Range: Eastern North America from central Canada to the southern states. They are common in Pennsylvania.
Equipment Required:
5-15 Gallon Aquarium with Screen Cover
"Bed-a-Beast Substrate"
Shallow Water Dish
Crickets
Housing: They can be housed in a 5-10 or 15 gallon aquarium with a screen cover. (Do not
attempt to keep them in very small plastic containers.). You can use
"Bed-a-Beast" as a substrate, or make your own substrate with peat,
sand, and leaf litter. Provide a couple of hollow logs for hiding spots. You can
decorate with driftwood or plastic ornaments. Optionally you can add some live
terrarium plants to the aquarium.
Temperature: Room temperature is sufficient. About 72 degrees during the
day. Night-time temperatures can drop to 54 degrees. Temperatures above 72
degrees can harm them.
Humidity: Normal room temperature and humidity are sufficient. The cage must have adequate adequate ventilation. If the cage is in a dry room, mist it once or twice a week. Do not make it too damp- that may cause fungus or mold in the cage.
Water: A shallow water dish should be provided. It should be cleaned daily. Use de-chorinated tap water or bottled water. (Amphibians are sensitive to chlorine in tap water)
Feeding: They must have live food. Live crickets can be the primary diet. You can also feed mealworms, waxworms, or insects. Offer food daily. Remove any uneaten food or dead insects the next day.
Compatibility: You can keep them in singles or groups. With the proper set-up they can be housed with other terrestrial woodland species with similar temperature and humidity requirements.
Breeding: This species breeds in ponds in early spring.
Winter Care: Toads hibernate in the winter by burrowing in soil or mud below the frost line.
If you wish to keep it through the winter you should provide a temperature of
39-41 degrees.
If you captured a toad and kept it as a pet in the summer, it may be best to
release it back where you found it in the early fall. Then you can collect
another one the following spring.
Other Varieties:
Some related species include the European Toad, Green Toad, and Giant Toad.
Recommended Books:
#423959 Frogs and
Toads TFH
Publications 8.99
Elmer’s Aquarium Pet Center 4005 Wm Penn Hwy. Monroeville,
Pa. 15146
(412) 372-6535
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