New Bumble Bee Toads

[pannaking22]

I got two little bumble bee toads over the weekend and I wanted to make sure I had everything set up nicely, along with asking a couple questions. I'll ask the questions first and then get the pics uploaded later. What hydrometer do you all use to monitor humidity in your enclosures? I'd like to make sure that I'm keeping my toads at the ideal humidity so they don't become stressed.

Also, I have some moss as a substrate later to hold some humidity and to give the toads plenty of hiding spots, but I've noticed some threads that have started growing out from the moss. Is this the moss starting to grow again or is this something I should be worried about? I added the moss that the toads came in and there seem to be small black threads with small beads at the top that have started forming. Are these reproductive structures of the moss or is that mold? The moss with the black structures is tan in color, while the other moss is varying shades of green.

Thanks for for any info!

[deranged chipmunk]

Those beads are spore pods. The moss is regenerating itself from a dormant state. It may continue to flourish, or it may die off temporarily. It's nothing to worry about and is actually a good thing.

I don't use hygrometers any more, but I definitely recommend new keepers use them. The dual, digital units are decent. As long as you don't mist directly into the probe, you will get a long service life from it. Stay away from analog gauges (dial type), they are notorious for being inaccurate.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[LilyPad]

I also do not monitor humidity anymore, I know by plants, look, feel and smell where it's at. My recommendation would be to use a digital as Bill said. I would also take the humidity probe out completely and only put it in for a few minutes at a time to get a measurement and then take it out so it doesn't get saturated.

[pannaking22]

Thanks for the responses! That's what I was thinking with the moss, but I wanted to check to be sure. It's been a long time since I've taken a botany course! Are the threads from the other moss also just signs that it's coming out of dormancy?

I've gotten used to monitoring humidity in my invert cages by the color of the cocofiber, but I'm not quite used to moss and cocofiber yet. I'll get it figured out eventually though. I hate those analog hygrometers because they are so inaccurate. My roommate tried an analog temp monitor in his bearded dragon enclosure and it said the temperature was typically over 120F, which is definitely not the case. He tried another monitor and it said the temp was around 100F. It's crazy how inaccurate those can be. What do you typically look for in your enclosures to make sure the humidity is good? Also, do you recommend higher humidity for small/young toads? I know small inverts (especially slings) need higher humidity, but does the same hold true for frogs and toads?

Enclosure pics to come in a little bit!

[pannaking22]

Alright, here are some pics!







I'm thinking of spicing the enclosure up a little bit more by putting another cut of Pothos in the left corner. Seems a little bare now, but I know once the plant starts growing things will look better, so all I'd have to do it wait for a bit.