Quote Originally Posted by kueluck View Post
I've read on one of the "expert" sites that toads do not necessarily need to burrow, but if you supply hides that's fine also...
Hi Gail! I've read the same information at Frank's site and he's kept toads in public zoos and has long lived specimens. Don't think any of the American ground toads are obligate borrowers. So, would keep any of them in an enclosure with a couple hide spots like tunneled or slanted cork bark and clay flower pots on a shallow substrate layer.

There is a risk involved when any of our frogs or toads follows it's instinct and tries to hibernate or aestivate in captivity. My advice is that unless it's part of pre-breeding conditioning; that activity should be discouraged. Think you are in the right track and should try a shallower substrate method and see how that goes. Good luck !