Hello Fellow Toad Lovers!
I am new to the forum, and, as of yesterday, a beautiful, young, male cane toad has joined my amphibian family. I apologize in advance for the lengthy post, but I've got several questions and I'd greatly appreciate the help and input of any proficient cane toad owners willing to read it through!
-My toad continues to run into the walls of his glass aquarium, and I read that putting a background on 3 sides of his enclosure may help him to feel more secure and realize there's a wall there. I was wondering what material would be best to use as a background, and where might I find some that's a solid black or green? I don't like the tacky rain forest scene backgrounds the pet store has.
-I want to use live plants as decoration in his enclosure. Are there any plants that may be dangerous to him that I should avoid? Or, are there any plants you'd specifically recommend? From what I understand, cane toads can be destructive to more delicate plants.
-He is quite skittish, and afraid of my presence. Whenever I walk by he leaps in fear or crouches very low and "hides". He is a very young toad, and I've read they are more cautious when young, but is there anything I can do to help him settle in more and become more comfortable with me? Or is this something that will just takes time and age?
-Lastly, heat lamps!? I've encountered differing views regarding the use of heat lamps for amphibians. Some say it's fine, and others claim they can lead to dehydration. Up to this point, I've only owned chubby frogs, and they're enclosure is well heated by a heating mat. My cane toad is temporarily in a 10 gallon tank (I'll be moving him to a 75 gallon in the next week or two when I bring him to my apartment), and the heating mat I've attached to the side doesn't seem to be providing enough heat as it is. I'm wondering how I will adequately heat a 75 gallon without use of a lamp. Any suggestions on the matter would be greatly appreciated! I live in Illinois and these winters get cold! Wouldn't want to freeze the little guy.
Thank you for reading!
-Squish![]()