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TOADS
Bufo species
Family: Bufonidae


This care sheet covers the basic keeping of some of the most commonly kept toads. The following information is generalised and further reading is recommended for each individual species. Toads from the family Bufo (true toads) have a large worldwide distribution. Europe, and North America has 17 species. Africa has more than 40 species. Asia has about 37 species, Central and South America more than 50 species. Obviously with this wide distribution all species will require different temperatures. Toads from Europe i.e. green toads do well in greenhouses all year round and will hibernate naturally in the UK. Toads from tropical climates do well with a background temperature around 75-80°F. However make sure the species is not of high-mountain distribution where the temperature would be much cooler.

The toad cage should be kept humid and damp, a good substrate would be peat and a layer of damp moss. Hiding places of cork bark or rock should be included. Toads like low-level lighting. A shallow water bowl should be kept clean at all times as toads tend to defecate in their water. With all amphibians heating by heat-mats is not recommended or at least not from under the cage. Toads will bury in the substrate, and could easily burn themselves on the heat-mat. Keep the cage as clean as possible changing the whole substrate about once a month.

Toads will eagerly feed on just about all commercially produced live foods, and hedge sweeping, remember to only collect from areas you are sure pesticides have not been used.

Breeding; most species need a period of dormancy to trigger breeding, and or a heavy period of rain. For breeding each individual species requirements should be researched.

As with all animals make sure you wash your hand before and after you handle toads. Toads do have venomous sacks above their eyes and if threatened will release a sticky white venom, if the toads does this during handling put it back in it’s cage straight away and wash your hands. Most toad venom even if digested would not cause any lasting effects to humans.

Most species of true toads thrive in captivity and can live many years, some species like the cane toad Bufo marinus grow to a huge size (about 23cm) and weight. Their basic requirements and hardiness makes the true toads and excellent choice for a “pet” amphibian. Some will “tame” very quickly taking food from you fingers.

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