Best treatment plans for MBD in Western Toads

[ToadilyNuts4Nature]

Olivia... that is some great info! This is my second time trying to enter the following info... somehow lost everything I just previously typed, so here I go again but will get to the point. I have 3 American Toads in a 12x12x30" tank and have been using an LED desk lamp because it doesn't throw heat. However, because of my concern over the MBD issue, I have decided to use a 12" UVB light, which will not cover the entire length of the tank but will provide them with some exposure of UVB. So basically, if the toads are wanting some light/heat... they'll gravitate towards it. Just try to remember that all creatures know how to take care of themselves. For instance... they will avoid certain insects because they know they are toxic. Each animal is born with natural instincts and know what is good or not good for them. It is only when people hold them in captivity and take control of their environment, food sources, etc... where they begin to develop problems. Toads generally do not require UVB but they do have exposure from what little natural sunlight they allow themselves to receive. Toads in captivity, obviously have less exposure so we need to provide it to them but NOT to overdo it. I will say that I am not an expert, but I am still learning, and there are a lot of people in this forum that are more experienced and thank God they share it! Learned a lot here! So, I will share some of my tips and perhaps someone will either confirm or correct me?

1. Enclosure - Give them a larger enclosure, whether you think they need it or not. Trust me.... They do roam, especially at night! Make sure to provide enough substrate that they can bury themselves because they will during the day and for long periods, during hibernation season. Make sure substrate is damp but not soggy, as toads tend to like it on the drier side. Some areas of my enclosure are damper and some drier.... having a larger enclosure with varying degrees of moisture gives them the opportunity to choose where they feel most comfortable.
2. Feeder insects/worms - Crickets, mealies & waxworms are fine but should not be considered their only staples of food. Usually when you buy crickets from a pet store, they are severely dehydrated & malnourished by the time you get them home. I recommend buying a large enough plastic container that they can be housed in, but can't jump out of. Place inside a few pieces of paper egg cartons and/or toilet paper rolls for hiding. Feed your crickets veggie scraps, especially carrots (shavings) as they are high in vitamin A, which is much needed by toads. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a problem in which a toad's tongue loses the ability to grab onto it's prey, leading to a host of health problems. I feed my crickets baby food carrots, which they scramble to once I release them from their boxes. Just remember that whatever you are feeding your feeder insects... you are also feeding to your toads! A malnourished cricket is not going to provide nourishment for your toads! I also recommend a supplemented food for your crickets.... I use Zoo Med Natural Cricket Care, which they love. Provide them with water (water gel or crystals work well)! Mealies are also fine but be careful not to feed too many, as the chitlin (hard body shell) can cause impaction if too much is consumed. Waxworms are also fine but are fatty, so limit them. Rmember variety is the spice of life! Dust your feeders with supplemental powder and keep the Vitamin D in consideration. I am also going to recommend that you use Roly Polys, or Pill bugs, as another staple because they are highly nutritious! Rolys are very easy to maintain and breed and I think your kids would enjoy raising them. Keep some in your toad's enclosure to help keep it clean and serve as a meal at the same time! There are several good threads regarding Isopods or Roly Polys on this forum, so I would suggest to read them but the basics are easy! Requirements... plastic container, layer of substrate kept damp, feed decaying wood & leaves, veggies ie... carrots, potatoes, squash... pretty much any leftover scraps from your own meal preparations! Just make sure whatever you are feeding your Rolys, and other insects, are free of pesticides and other chemicals! If you are successful in maintaining your Rolys, you will begin to see babies in about 30-60 days, depending on the species!
3. Water dish should be deep enough for the toads to soak in but not too deep that they are fully submerged, or they will drown if they cannot get out! Tip for adding some additional supplements/vitamins. Add some liquid vitamins to their water during each water change. My dish holds 2 cups of water, so I add 1 drop for each cup of water, 2 cups = 2 drops and I use Ecotrition Vita-Sol. Can be purchased at a pet store or Amazon and a 1-2oz bottle is gonna last a long time!

So, in summary.... Try to provide the most natural environment for your toads! Replicate how their living conditions are in the wild!

1. Give your toads lots of room to roam around.
2. Provide an adequate amount of quality substrate. Provide damp & drier areas!
3. Take care of your feeder insects/worms and supplement their food, as the healthier and more nourished they are... the more beneficial & nutritious they will be for your toads. Remember to offer a variety!
4. Lighting - UVB is not required but can be beneficial in small amounts if your toads are not receiving natural sunlight or if you feel are not getting enough vitamins/supplements. Set a timer for your light to be on for 10-12 hours per day. Allow one end of your enclosure to be a little darker and/or provide shelter or hiding areas where your toads can choose to be in the dark.
5. Provide a water dish so they can soak, add liquid vitamins, use non-chlorinated/chemical free water & and change at least every other day!
6. Think about adding some Isopods aka... Roly Polys to help keep the enclosure clean & as food!

Hope this helps! I may be back later to edit as I am in a rush and could be leaving some additional info out! Have a great day!