New Mexican Spadefoot Toad

[veebee723]

I recently caught two wild toads that were out near my home calling out for females. I filled the terrarium with lots of dirt to burrow, rocks, water, plants and limbs to shelter in. It appears as though only one is coming out at night to eat and hang out with us. We are not sure if we are seeing the same one or if they're taking turns...? We are wondering if we should try and dig up the other one or just figure maybe he's hibernating or (gasp) is dead. If so how is the safest way to do that? Any help is much appreciated. We live in Northern New Mexico.

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF! Can't make out what pic is about. Here is a guide to help you care for toads: Frog Forum - Toad Basics - Keeping ground-dwelling Toads. A care sheet for Bufo, Anaxyrus, Spea, Scaphiopus, Ollotis, Alytes, Pelobates. With toads it better to have no more than a toad's height layer of substrate. That way they can still bury a bit; but you can monitor their location and movements. Recommend using shredded coco for substrate mixed with dechlorinated tap until slightly damp and clumps in fist without dripping water out.

All water used should be dechlorinated tap. Crickets should be gut loaded with carrots, lettuce, and cherios 24-48 hours before feeding and sized smaller than distance between toad's eyes. Best food are not dyed night crawlers (from Walmart or local bait shop). Need to use food supplements. more info on that in here: http://www.frogforum.net/food-feeder...schedules.html. Good luck !

[lindsayshocking]

Hello, my name is Lindsay and I am addicted to spadefoot toads.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way...

When I go to feed my spadefoots, I always dig them up. I figure it's only fair, because these guys are little fatties and will eat their crickets all up. I also use carefresh pet bedding as my substrate. When I go to dig them out, I just gently sift through the fluff until I've found them. I've had them for years and I've found this stuff works best. It's easy for them to burrow in, and they hate the way it tastes so they don't eat it.

Spadefoots are the best frogs to have as pets, New Mexico Spadefoots in particular. I've found they tend to warm up to me and are absolutely fascinating to keep. They've always been my favorites, and I hope you have a great experience with them! If you have any other questions let me know.