Worried about Bumblebee Walking Toad

[MikeTe]

Hi, Eric.

Can you give us an update about your BBTs? There's some good info out there, just not a lot of it.

I recently acquired 3 from Little Ray's in Ottawa, who'd had them for the past year. I'd been in a few times, getting supplies for my kids's new geckos, and each time took a look around. The BBTs would come out of their hide to see who was sticking their face in front of their tank; they're curious! I was won over after the second visit and decided to buy them.

Ray's only has "adoptions" (rescues and so on) and has a policy that you must show proof of being prepared to adopt. It was suggested that I could bring back a photo of the terrarium, etc. as proof, but I was aware of the policy and said, "I brought my set-up with me, in the back of the van, with the heating up to the correct levels, something to eat, some water...." They were surprised, took a look, couldn't find any fault and agreed. Then, as we went to get the toads, I saw that there were three; I'd thought there were only two. I couldn't leave one there all alone, so bought all three.

1 male and 2 females I think, judging by the sizes. So, in keeping with their (possibly) Argentine roots, Miguelito, Susanita and, of course, Mafalda.

The male and one female come out every morning (still curious, not afraid) and hunt down their pinheads quite efficiently, but the other female remains in the hide, under the moss, not sure if she's eating or not (the crickets do wander into the hide).

My temps seem to stay around 20 to 22 C and humidity around 80%.

TIA!

Mike T.
Ottawa.

[clownonfire]

Mike, congratulations. I still think that BBWT are underrated. They are stunning, intriguing.

Mine is doing fine. I cut down on the humidity and that really did the trick. I keep the humidity around 60%. I see her once in awhile in the water dish (just enough water for her to sink in). She has lots of plants and bark to hide, and we'll see her stroll regularly. She is also a voracious eater.

I'm curious about the adoption place in Ottawa. I'll be there this weekend, and I might stop, just out of curiosity, not that I can afford right now more frogs.

Don't hesitate if you have questions on them. The article by Seth on the left is the reference.

And when you have pics, post them here!

Eric

[MikeTe]

Thanks for the reply, Eric.

Little Ray's is located at the south border of Ottawa on Bank st. They're mainly a reptile "zoo", doing the usual birthday parties, etc. They are very good at education on the subject of reptiles and amphibs, very professional and very fussy about the care of their animals and those they let go to new owners.

Here is their website:

Ottawa Reptile Zoo | Birthday Party Ottawa | Ottawa Summer Camps

They do have three Phyllobates terribilis in the store section, not for sale at this time (not sure if they ever will be; too cool to let go, I'd think)

Mike T.

[jkooiman]

[IMG][/IMG]
this is what a female, maybe gravid, should look like. If they are "shiny" looking, then they aren'y happy/healthy. They should look velvety and fat. Thanks! JVK

[Eric Walker]

Eric- glad to hear the lower humidity helped.

jesse- great shot of a FAT female, can you get one with a male right next to her for some size references for everyone. I will try when i take mine out for a revamp of their cage.

I have to say though, when my toads are about to shed they become very glossy, shinny black( way different than the typical flat balck ) and their bumps on the skin become way more visable. only at times of shedding do they do this though. The first time it happened I was freeked and had to ask seth if that was normal.

[stolenheron]

I realize this is an OLD thread but I found it very helpful. I'm gonna try dropping my humidity down today before I try dumping in some WC fruit flies.