Ground cover Battle: Leaves vs Moss

[AlanLynch]

What ground cover is the best in a toad exhibit? Leaves or Moss? Cast your votes, and tell why you think which one is better for toads!

[Bombina Bob]

Generally i would think moss would be a better ground cover for toads because moss provides moisture and humidity recreating naturalistic microclimates while leaves look asthetically pleasing, they dont do much except but make great cover for the microfauna such as springtails, whenever using moss, make sure to use moss you use is no an impaction risk (Zoo med frog moss), i know that frogs can get impacted on anything but be careful about the leaves and moss

[nicodimus22]

I'm going to say it depends if you feed in the tank or in a separate container. If in the tank, use no moss. If in a separate container, it's probably OK to have moss in the habitat.

[Croak]

I have a sheet of live moss as my main cover. It doesn't fall apart like shredded moss so it doesn't cause impactions, and the living plants absorb ammonia and help to decompose any waste I might miss when cleaning. I also have some shredded moist leaf litter in one corner, so my toad has something to burrow in, and as long as I keep her food on the other end, I don't worry about her swallowing leaf bits. The downside of having a sheet of live moss is that a lot of toads will burrow underneath it and get stuck. If there is any extra water under the moss, the toad could drown. I have remedied this by placing rocks all around the edge of the tank or anywhere the sheet is broken, which is enough to deter my toad from burrowing underneath.

[RichardA]

My toads utilize leaf litter. Just like any other frog or toad. They need to dry out more then others do and this helps with that aspect as well. They have the option of climbing up on top of the litter to dry a bit or going under it to gain moisture. The need to have the option to self regulate.