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Frog and Toad Care
Frogs and toads are popular pets due to their vivid coloration and
modest care requirements. Frogs like Oriental Firebellied Toads have
bright colors on their bellies which are intended to deter predators
in the wild. They are active, hardy pets which can live from 7-10
years with appropriate care.
Handle frogs and toads as little as possible due to the toxins some
may secrete. If you must pick up a toad, wash your hands in clean
water first and leave them wet. Never touch your eyes, mouth or face
when you are handling a toad and always wash your hands thoroughly
after.
Housing
Frogs and toads need a specialized home called a vivarium, which is
easily made from a "long" glass aquarium, with a securely fitting
lid. Toads like company and the size of the tank will depend on how
many frogs you keep. A 20 gal aquarium can house up to 4 toads.
Choose a hinged lid with a clear plastic panel covering a
fluorescent light and ventilation space in the rear. The open rear
panel must be covered with screening to prevent the toads escaping.
Locate your vivarium away from windows and heating/cooling vents,
but near an electrical outlet. Add a submersible water filter/pump
rated for at least 30 gallons per hour to oxygenate the water and
keep it fresh. Toads need a constant water temperature of 65-75 deg.
F, maintained by a fully submersible heater. Monitor the temperature
with two adhesive thermometers, one below the water and one halfway
up the tank. Cover the floor with aquarium gravel and smooth rocks
(intended for fish, not from outdoors) to make dry islands, with
live plants completing the landscaping. Finally, use a
dechlorinating product to prepare tap water and fill the tank to a
depth of a couple of inches. Wait a week or so for the vivarium to
settle before adding your toads.
Diet
Feed your frogs or toads waxworms and crickets. Each amphibian
should get two small waxworms or two small crickets per week.
Cleaning
Wash down the walls and rocks frequently, using dechlorinated water
in a spray bottle, to remove toxins secreted by the toads. Change
about half the water water monthly and remove dead food or plants
promptly.
Fertility
It is very difficult to tell a male from a female toad.
The males are generally smaller, have more warts and chirp during
breeding season.
Health
Toads are generally very healthy. They change color from bright
green to dark, olive green when they are about to shed. Dirty water
or build up of toxins in the vivarium are the cause of most
problems.
Warnings
Use new buckets tor water and never use soap, or detergents to clean
the tank or equipment.
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