Hi, new to all this and would love some advice on how to attract toads to take up residence in my yard in Fort Worth, TX. My aunt and I have fallen silly in love with them. Lots of questions!
We think what we've seen so far are gulf coast toads. We've put out several plates for soaking pools, water is 1/2-1" deep with solar lights, plants, seclusion around them. But you always want to do more!
Is is it a good idea to supplement our yards with (purchased) small crickets, offer meal worms, wax worms, something else?
Anything that will help them over the winter?
We'll soon be building very small ponds hoping they'll soak and breed. I'm trying to learn about depth (deep and shallow ends?), is soil/leaf bottom best, and if it's ok the have a tiny hint of current (like a small pump on one ends so water bubbles over some rocks).
Just want the little guys to think they're in Toadvana so they'll be happy and stay. Thanks for any and all info!
A pond is fine, but most toads seldom enter the water outside of breeding season. I would suggest planting lots of vegetation for cover, and generously water it. Toads will appreciate the moisture.
Do not release non-native insects. Instead, consider outdoor lighting at night. This will attract insects for the toads to eat.
Ok, we'll forget about releasing crickets. I had read the same about trying to purchase tadpoles this spring. Makes sense. Thanks!
Seconding that if you have vegetation insects will show up. You might want to put out some places for toads to hide if any show up. Like a small overturned flowerpot with a crack in it. Maybe put out a saucer or two of water. Good luck
During the late summer months I see American Toads come to our pond to hydrate and thinking of Texas as a dry state I'm sure the toads would use water areas to hydrate if there is no rainfall. Unless this species is completely different then maybe not. I love what you are doing with this project encouraging toads to live in your yard. That's great. I agree using yard lights will bring nocturnal insects to your yard for the toads. You can leave your porch light on and the toads will come to it as the insects come to the light. Toads are very smart and adaptive. They like wood piles and rock piles but will burrow down in a garden or banks where you have plants. You can attract them in many ways. The pond would be good for them breeding.
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