Toad is getting skinny

[DogStar]

My American toad has been eating a lot less now that its winter. He has been only coming up from his burrow every 3-4 days and when I feed him he will only eat maybe one or two bugs (cricket or superworm). This last feeding when I took him out I noticed that he is getting pretty skinny and I'm worried he isn't eating enough. I'm planning a trip to the petstore, any ideas what kind of feeder I should look for to fatten him up? I've heard that butterworms are on the fattier side and easy to digest.

Thank you

[Xubby]

Honestly, most types of caterpillars will do the trick. Waxworms are the most common, I think, but butterworms and horned worms are also relatively common. If you can't find any, superworms do have a relative high fat content.

That said, it might be best to try to focus on just getting him to eat more if you're worried, and keeping him at a cooler temp if possible. Mine are usually very receptive to food right after I wake them up.

[Heatheranne]

Try feeding him some night crawlers. Be sure they have no dyes or scents added. All natural.

[Heatheranne]

Are you dusting with calcium/D3 every other feeding and amphibian multivitamin once a week?

How are your temps in his tank?

They can tell when the seasons change and might be trying to hibernate. This is okay if they have a good nutritional status.

If his temps are low, trying warming one side of the tanks up to the mid 70's. This may keep him awake longer and make him hungry. It increases their metabolism.