Is there something wrong with Toadsworth?

[Jessifer]

I have a common American toad and he's almost always that normal beige/brown colour; however once in a while I'll see him and he's turned dark. I always though it was because he's about to molt but I'm not so sure anymore. Everything else seems to be okay, he has a soak now and then and he always sings at night and sometimes in the morning. When we feed him he gets all excited at first but after a while it's like he doesn't even care that the crickets are there because I never see him eat them anymore. Then we'll get a fresh batch and he gets excited again. I wonder if it's because he's just picky and knows that those crickets aren't fresh or if it's a thing. Anyway I'm more worried about his colour. I can't tell if he turns dark because he's about to molt or if he's trying to blend in or if there's actually something wrong. Am I just worrying too much or is he sick?

I've had Toadsworth since July 1st. He lived under this bench in my dad's backyard but his girlfriend moved it and it completely squished his leg. The poor thing was just dragging it, trying to get away from us but I brought him home and eventually got a suitable habitat set up for him and his leg healed up. However I'm pretty sure he lost his toes as it healed. That or they just curled up underneath him. He doesn't really hop and if he does it's to get out of my hand. He always just sits in his moss and he only moves to find a new place to sit or to have a soak. I don't know how active toads are supposed to be considering he is my first but I always just didn't think any of his laziness considering his condition. He just walks everywhere, no hopping for Mr. Toad.

Also my mom is thinking about getting him a heat lamp. Do common American toads need those or is he fine without one?

My friend thinks he is just going through late hibernation considering he didn't do so in the winter. I don't think he is considering he's been this colour before but nothing ever happens. Does him turning dark even mean anything? I'm also curious as to whether or not American toads change colour depending on their mood.

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF Jessifer! First of all, please read this article to get info on your toad needs: Frog Forum - Toad Basics - Keeping ground-dwelling Toads. A care sheet for Bufo, Anaxyrus, Spea, Scaphiopus, Ollotis, Alytes, Pelobates.

Things you want to watch for, are that the tap water is dechlorinated (for bath dish and mixing with substrate). Crickets should be sized same as distance between toad's eyes and gut loaded with carrots, lettuce, and crushed oats/cherios for 24-48 hours before feeding. Any uneaten crickets should be removed within a few hours or early next morning if feeding at night. You can also feed not dyed Canadian Night Crawlers cut from pointy end to same length as toad's body. Food supplements are very important, more info and sample schedules in here: http://www.frogforum.net/food-feeder...schedules.html.

American toads do not need a heat lamp if kept at room temperature. Most frogs and toads can sense Winter and will slow down their metabolism a bit. Check the information passed and let us know if there where anything missed in it's care. A color change can be normal depending on many things, but it could also mean something is amiss. Good luck !

[Jessifer]

Thanks, should I start feeding him something else? I've literally been feeding him crickets ever since I got him. He's never had any mealworms or anything. Just simply crickets. Is it good for the toad to have variety or does it not matter?

[victorsgrace]

Variety in feeder animals and healthy, well-fed feeder animals is always best, with a staple food like earthworms or crickets to cover the main food diet.

Check out the careguide here on the site Frog Forum - Toad Basics - Keeping ground-dwelling Toads. A care sheet for Bufo, Anaxyrus, Spea, Scaphiopus, Ollotis, Alytes, Pelobates

[Mentat]

Thanks, should I start feeding him something else? I've literally been feeding him crickets ever since I got him. He's never had any mealworms or anything. Just simply crickets. Is it good for the toad to have variety or does it not matter?

For a toad, would add Canadian night crawlers (not dyed from bait shop) to it's diet . 3 in. and above toad should handle whole ones. If smaller, cut worm from pointy end into toad body length pieces, or mouth size for toadlets.