Catching their Food?

[Crystal6]

Hi there

I've had 3 FBTs for 2 weeks now & feel a bit frustrated .

I seem to have the same sort of problem as some of the other members, namely the toads seeing / catching their food . It either ends up drowned, buried or sitting at the top of the tank.

In my old tank I used to drops crickets into it just to watch what they would do. It was a half and half so I figured they would immediately drown but, much to my amazement, they didn't. Instead they would walk onto across the dirt towards the water half and, when their antenna touched the water they would back away. I think that unless there is a major elevation difference or the crickets are extremely terrified they won't drown.

But I have heard of people who's crickets can drown very very easily but who can remedy the situation via "cricket ladder" so they can climb out of the water should they be stupid enough to get in there in the first place.

(I think it was Kurt who mentioned a cricket ladder.)

As for them seeing the food, do you have a lot of hiding places for crickets in your enclosure? (Such as egg crates?) My enclosure just had grass and the frog found them just fine. (not recommended as your frog can swallow the grass)

[JeffX]

I always have a few that drown. I seem to have more of an issue with that with my tomatoes though.

I've never had any issues with feeding my FBTs. They are greedy little toads in my experience. You could try using some waxworms to help get them to eat. I wouldn't use them for more than a snack. Also I'd check the temperature and the humidity as well.

[firefly]

Thanks for that peeps. Could I just ask - I'm a bit worried and confused about the heat thing as on other forums they say that room temp are enough for these frogs, as they like it on the cool side rather than warm ?? I need to know exactly what they need for real (I don't want them to suffer) - so please advise. Many thx

[JeffX]

Thanks for that peeps. Could I just ask - I'm a bit worried and confused about the heat thing as on other forums they say that room temp are enough for these frogs, as they like it on the cool side rather than warm ?? I need to know exactly what they need for real (I don't want them to suffer) - so please advise. Many thx

I keep mine at room temperature, but room temperature for me is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I have known of people keeping them in the lower 80s though.

[Kurt]

Bombina orientalis is a temperate zone animal so keep it accordingly. Mid 70's is fine.

[firefly]

Ooo I'm lucky if my house gets up to 60-65f in the day and 59f in the night brrr.

Its cold in the UK even with central heating on.

Should I put a heatmat on the back then - even tho they sit in a cold bath all day??

[JeffX]

Ooo I'm lucky if my house gets up to 60-65f in the day and 59f in the night brrr.

Its cold in the UK even with central heating on.

Should I put a heatmat on the back then - even tho they sit in a cold bath all day??

Yeah, I'd get an undertank heater for them.