Thinking of getting a cane toad in the future, have some questions.

[Blue]

Hey everyone! I am getting my first place hopefully in the near future, and part of my excitement is being able to get new pets that my parents won't allow me to get while I'm living with them. I've always loved frogs and toads. I have had the typical backyard-caught toad and frog in a plastic cage that I'd later release, so I know a little about their care, but I understand having a full-time pet is much different, and I'm more than willing to learn.

Cutting to the chase, I have recently learned about cane toads, and I heard they make great pets. However, I've read a lot of mixed info about them, and would like to learn more about them before I run off and buy one. I figured you guys would be able to help me out, so if you don't mind, I have a couple of questions.

1. What kind of habitat do they need? I know they get to be pretty sizeable, and will most likely get a large terrarium with a heater pad, fake plants and a good bit of water, but what all terrarium-wise will I need to keep a cane toad happy?

2. Are they a solitary animal, or do they need to be kept in groups? I read mixed things, and though I'd prefer to start with 1, I will gladly get 2 or more if they need the company of other cane toads.

3. Do they like being handled? I know a toad most likely won't cuddle in my lap like a puppy, but I do like pets that I can at least hold. I read that they do recognize their humans and will be happy to see you, so I was just wondering if they like being held and loved on.

4. What is their diet like? I know they eat like a fat guy at a casino buffet, and that they eat crickets, meal worms, veggies, and they like dog food, but what would be a healthy diet for them? How often do they have to be fed without them becoming crazy big? (I'm not really looking to have a record-breaking toad, I only want it to stay normal size.)

5. I know they have poison glands, and can pose a risk to other animals and people, so is there any way to order one with the poison glands removed, or could I take it to a small animal vet and get the poison glands removed? I won't be worried, and will understand completely if you can't, but I have a small dog, and plan on getting a new puppy to keep him company, and while of course I wouldn't let the dogs and toad have any interaction, I'd just hate to have something happen to my dog if they were to by some strange means cross paths.

6. Where would be a good place to get one? I found a website, Backwater Reptiles, and I think there might be a local pet store that can at least order them, but I just want to make sure I get it from a reputable place.

7. Is there anything else you think I should know before I dive into the world of cane toad ownership?

Thank you all so much ahead of time for your time and advice =)

[Bombina Bob]

Welcome to the forum Blue Here's our care sheet on Bufo toads (this will cover cane toad care as well) Frog Forum - Toad Basics - Keeping ground-dwelling Toads. A care sheet for Bufo, Anaxyrus, Spea, Scaphiopus, Ollotis, Alytes, Pelobates Cane Toads are a much larger toad reaching a Snout-to-vent length of around 5-8 inches but there have been some found up to 10 inches!

The minimum size tank for one cane toad would be in my opinion a 20-30 gallon "breeder" tank that is longer than it is wide, they are a nocturnal species and will be much more active at night. Be sure that the substrate (bedding) is something the toad can burrow into, cocoanut fiber is the best substrate to use. It will be commonly called "eco earth" or "plantation soil". It should be the consistency where if you were to squeeze it, it would clump together without any drops of water. A heat mat can be used on the side of the tank. Many of these heat mats are designed for reptiles like snakes and leopard geckos that rely on belly heat. The temps should range from 73-82F. A large water bowl should be provided.

Although Amphibians like cane toads are found in large congregations, they are not typically social animals and are happy
on their own. If you do plan to get another toad or two, be sure to add 10 gallons per additional toad.

Because frogs and toads have very delicate skin, they should not be handled. Cane toads are no exception to this rule. They have bufotoxins that can be deadly if ingested. If you need to move your toad (For example to another tank for cleaning) Be sure to have rubber gloves or wash your hands in dechlorinated water. (Chlorine and other minerals in tap water can be damaging and fatal to frogs and toads)

Cane toads have been known to eat a huge variety of animal life including, small lizards, other frogs, small mammals and even snakes! In captivity they can easily be fed large gut loaded crickets or dubia roaches (These aren't your typical pest roach) we also have a care article on how to culture vie food for your frogs here > Frog Forum - Culturing Crickets - Care and Breeding of the Common House Cricket

Although i never have worked with this species, I strongly advise against having other animals interact with the toad.
There have been incidents where dogs and cats have died from biting a cane toad. Removing the Toxin glands in my
opinion is unethical and cruel.

Be sure to Do a LOT of research on frog and toad basics and cane toad care, Realize that this is a "Look dont touch" animal.

Hopefully we will see more posts about a possible new froggy friend in the future

[Blue]

Thank you very much for your insight Ryan

Like I said, I'm relatively new to frog and toad care, and really wanted to clear things up before I get started. From what I have read so far, I think a cane toad would be a nifty pet, but from your input, I have a feeling it would be a good idea to maybe get a little more experience with amphibians before getting a cane toad. I'd feel awful if I couldn't give it the proper care.