Western Toad update.

[Kevin1]

The western toad comes in two subspecies. Bufo Boreas Boreas and Bufo Boreas Halophilus.The B.b. Halophilus ranges mostly in california and parts of nevada. While B. b. Boreas ranges in california and farther north. The California toad(B.b.h.) has more red to it than the Boreal toad(B.b.b.) particularly on the "warts". From my experience in raising hundreds of these guys, I'd say your frog seems a bit small to me. Like Seth said though as long as he's eating and growing he should be ok. He's looks healthy for what it's worth. Do you give him supplements?(calcium vitamins)

Here's a pic of 2 breeding pairs and some eggs of the other subspecies. enjoy

[Jace]

Thanks, Kevin. Enoch gets fed every day with a 2 days in a row calcium dusting followed by 1 day vitamin dusting. He gets 4-5 crickets per feeding, each dusted with one or the other, depending on the day. He was being fed on pinheads, but he has since graduated to 1-2 weeks, depending on size. He used to hide in his rock cave all the time, but the last couple of weeks, he has been out in the open, hunting crickets and soaking in his indoor tub.

[Greg M]

Hi Jo,

Pretty little guy! It seems to me that he is doing just fine - appetite is good and he looks plump. A few things that might help. One is to feed something like waxworms or other high fat food - this was a suggestion by SethD, who commented [essentially] that they can use the calories when they are growing quickly. I think this is a good idea, and I would further add that diversity in feeders is also good idea - I have been using isopods (which are very high in calcium), dubia roach nymphs, little silkworms and butterworms. Another thing I would think about is temperature. I noted that Seth keeps his toads at a bit higher temperature than I do, and I think that may account for some of the difference in growth rate. I have encountered articles on the web looking at toad growth rate, and one conclusion was that the growth rate (both linear and weight) increased between 14 and 27 degrees Celcius (Lillywhite et al., 1973 (Ecology)). I would consider increasing your temperature to 25 - 27 degrees Celcius (about 75 - 80 degrees Farenheit) to maximize growth. Also, bear in mind that toads seem quite variable in growth rate - I have individuals who are almost twice the size of their healthy contemporaries. There is some notion that variability in growth rate has some species survival advantage...

Cheers!
Greg

[Jace]

Thanks, Greg. That does make me feel better. I tried ordering Phoenix worms two months ago and nothing ever came in. The petstore finally got an email saying that Canada was experiencing a nation-wide shortage. I will try and find another high fat food. I can find butterworms, but they are way too big for him. I have appropriate sized mealworms, so maybe I will give him a couple of those a week to help him along. Temperature may very well have something to do with it. He is being kept at room temperature that ranges from 21-24 degrees Celcius, but I do have a heat source to use. I will play with it a bit and see if I can increase his temp by a few degrees. Should this temp be kept all day, or should I allow for a cool period at night?

Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions. Despite lack of size, he does seem to be doing well and enjoys being pampered, I think.

[Greg M]

One quick comment. The temperature optimum that Lillywhite et al. found was for Western toads - obviously, other species would have their own specific requirements/optimums...

In addition, when I said "pretty little guy", I meant that he was "pretty", not "pretty little". And finally, I found out today that the turn of phrase "bear in mind" uses the spelling "bear" not "bare" - apparently, "bare in mind" would suggest that you are thinking of someone naked ! Thus the edit for my post...

Greg

[Jace]

Lol-no worries! Parental-like pride on my part, when you wrote "Pretty little guy" I assumed you were saying what a nice looking toad I have and not commenting on his size-or lack there of. As for the "bear" vs "bare"....well, we are a friendly Forum!! However, sticking to naked frogs and toads would be more acceptable. On that note, your advice is always helpful and welcome. Thanks again for taking the time to have a look at the pictures and give your opinion. You and Seth are my go-to toad guys!

[Greg M]

Glad to be of help, but I am merely a student - Seth is the master...