Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1

    Question To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

    In seriousness though. I was wondering how hibernation or the lack of will effect an American Toad's quality of life and life span. Obviously it is the natural process in nature, but I wanted to get info from people who have been caring for toads for multiple years.

    At my current level of knowledge hibernation sounds like the right choice. Toads don't seem to fully sleep as we would understand it excepting hibernation and it's obviously a period of healing and rejuvenation.

    If hibernating, what is the optimal length of time, or does one just take cues from their own weather? Ie, begin hibernation as our weather cools and end hibernation as it begins to warm up?

    Also, any practical advice on how to actually induce hibernation safely and effectively would very much be appreciated!

  2. #2
    100+ Post Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Red Wing, MN
    Posts
    236

    Default Re: To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

    Many temperate herp species require hibernation to induce breeding. That is really the only reason hobbyists typically hibernate the animals.
    There is a great deal of risk with hibernation. Being kept at the wrong temperature or moisture level can cause death or illness. Not having enough body weight can result in death of the animal, as can food in the digestive tract, or being cooled or warmed up too rapidly. Sometimes, a hibernating herp will die despite our best efforts to do everything right.
    Unless you intend on breeding your toad, it has nothing to gain by being hibernated.

  3. This member thanks Herpin Man for this post:


  4. #3
    100+ Post Member Larry Wardog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    1,394
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

    Quote Originally Posted by Herpin Man View Post
    Many temperate herp species require hibernation to induce breeding. That is really the only reason hobbyists typically hibernate the animals.
    There is a great deal of risk with hibernation. Being kept at the wrong temperature or moisture level can cause death or illness. Not having enough body weight can result in death of the animal, as can food in the digestive tract, or being cooled or warmed up too rapidly. Sometimes, a hibernating herp will die despite our best efforts to do everything right.
    Unless you intend on breeding your toad, it has nothing to gain by being hibernated.
    This is a very difficult task as you have said because if it's not done correctly the toads will pass. I am going to attempt to breed my toads next spring so I'm attempting to hibernate them this winter. One other positive in hibernation is allowing the toads to fully rest and in hibernation a vet has told me the toads are able to fight off parasites better and there is unverified research hibernation can increase the toads lifespan. Like stated before it's very dangerous doing this because hibernation is a risk you have to be all in with doing for your toad because there is no going back. The toads will be interested in mating afterwards so that should be thought of before attempting this like stated before. I'll be sure to post my results on here from doing this in the spring.

    Sent from my BLN-L24 using Tapatalk

  5. #4

    Default Re: To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

    Thank you both for your responses and I'll definitely be interested in how it goes for you, Larry.

    This is definitely something I'd be "all in" on if I can do it, because it's for Lydia. I don't care about breeding her, only about her quality of life. I don't want to be depriving her of hibernation for the reasons I postulated and you confirmed.

    Thank you, both, again. Can either of you recommend a knowledgeable and accurate source on inducing American Toad hibernation?

  6. #5

    Default Re: To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

    A follow up question, if I hibernate her would out cause her problems to not have a male around to fertilize her eggs?

  7. #6
    100+ Post Member Larry Wardog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    1,394
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

    Quote Originally Posted by LydiasMom View Post
    A follow up question, if I hibernate her would out cause her problems to not have a male around to fertilize her eggs?
    It's debatable. Some people think a female not getting eggs fertilized can cause them to build up and effect her but some have never reported these problems. It's not a necessity as a male will call for a long period of time and it can become very loud if they don't find a female. I also personally feel bad for the toads in the wild who miss mating.

    Sent from my BLN-L24 using Tapatalk

  8. This member thanks Larry Wardog for this post:


  9. #7

    Default Re: To hibernate or not to hibernate, that is the question

    So, potentially she won't release the eggs and that can become an issue. Like a miscarriage that doesn't complete in a human?

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. is it ok to hibernate toadlets??
    By MantisMan in forum Fire Belly Toads (Bombina)
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: August 8th, 2012, 08:37 PM
  2. Do Pacmans hibernate?
    By mzajmyers in forum Pacman Frogs
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: December 29th, 2011, 08:36 PM
  3. To hibernate or not to hibernate?
    By julsShaw in forum Pacman Frogs
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: December 5th, 2011, 10:56 PM
  4. Is my Pacman trying to hibernate?
    By MeTree in forum Pacman Frogs
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: April 14th, 2011, 09:10 AM
  5. Hibernate?
    By clawed frog in forum Toads
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: November 26th, 2010, 07:00 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •