Toad Care Buying Guide

Want a "toadily" cool pet?  Then stomp around in the swamps or head to your local pet  shop for a new amphibian  friend.  Toads  are often easy to care for and make great pets for children, who can learn a great deal about the species simply by observing.  They only require a few basic staples, so breeze through this guide to get all the information you need to keep your toad happily croaking.

The Habitat

Your toad will be perfectly happy in a medium-sized fish tank  with around 5 to 10 centimetres of water in one section about two toads long and four toads wide, and 5 centimetres of dirt in the remaining area.

• Make sure that the water is dechlorinated by letting it sit out for 24 hours before use.
• Rocks and hollow logs make great places to perch and hide, so hunt around in your backyard for some good accessories, or hit up the local pet store for made-for-toad goodies.
• Keeping the tank covered ensures that your toad and its food won't escape.
• It's important to keep the air moist and clean. Use a hepa or ion combination filter in the room where your toad is kept, and try keeping the door closed to ensure that maximum freshness factor.
• If you use insect repellents  in or around your home, you could possibly expose your toad to deadly toxins--the mist can contaminate dirt and water in tanks. Be wary of where you use such products, and consider going organic to keep your toad completely safe.
• If the tank is getting a bit dry, simply mist it with dechlorinated water.

Nutrition

The most common food for toads is crickets,  which can be bought by the boxful online or at an exotic pet store.  You can simply place a new box in the tank each week and let your toad feed as he or she chooses, or you may release a few by hand two to three times per week.  This depends on your ability to feed your toad at the same times each week, and your feelings on dealing with some pretty big bugs.  Other tasty treats for toads include flies, tiny minnows, crickets, slugs, worms, grasshoppers, beetles, centipedes, ladybugs and almost any other tiny insects.

Handle with Care

• Each time after you handle your toad, wash your hands to avoid salmonella and other bacteria.
• Do not hold your toad while standing. If he or she jumps out of your hands, the distance could cause severe injury.
• Do not squeeze your toad in attempt it to keep it from jumping, as this too can cause injury.

Related Guides

Frog Care	Lizard Care	Turtle Care	Newt Care

External Links

• About.com: A list of all the different frog species with guides on how to care for each specifically.
• Ehow.com: A basic step by step guide on how to care for a new pet toad.
• ToadilyToads.com: Answers to all your toad FAQs.