Update and more toad questions...

[Curb71]

Feeding them in a different container is an interesting idea. I have seen people do it in youtube videos (they used a large plastic storage container) but I didn't know if it was just done for the video, or as a routine thing. I just started using the Repashy insect supplement powder, and it definitely makes a bit of a mess in the aquarium. I use the coco fiber substrate, so I'm not overly worried about impaction from it, but I see the benefit you're referring to there. It is also a good way to make sure they're all eating enough. Right now, one of my toads is smaller than the other two, and I don't know if it's because that one isn't eating as much, or if that is simply because one is a male, and the two fatter toads are females. I may try this out...do you think I should just go out and buy a Rubbermaid storage container or something like that for feeding?

I tend to agree with you that in general, many animals will get used to people to a degree, especially when it comes to food. Do you wash your hands with tap water or something else? I have been rinsing my hands off with spring water before handling, just to be sure I'm not getting any chlorine on them. This may be overkill/paranoid on my part, but I'm trying to play it safe until I know better what I'm doing. Thanks for your input.

If you are going to use a separate container I would spend the extra few bucks on a real critter keeper just cause of a bad experience I had. when I brought a bunch of tadpoles back from the mountains months ago they all died within hours and the only reason I could figure out was because I used a brand new never used 5 gallon bucket and I think the plastics from the bucket had chemicals that must have poisoned them.

[Iratus ranunculus]

No, it was not the bucket. Ranids are the only tadpoles in the US that are not so fragile as to die in transit. Bufonids and Hylids are really sensitive to all sorts of stressors, including road bumps, that ranids are not bothered by. If ranids, it could have been bucket poisoning, pH Shock, Temp Shock... but those would need to be severe.

[nicodimus22]

If you are going to use a separate container I would spend the extra few bucks on a real critter keeper just cause of a bad experience I had. when I brought a bunch of tadpoles back from the mountains months ago they all died within hours and the only reason I could figure out was because I used a brand new never used 5 gallon bucket and I think the plastics from the bucket had chemicals that must have poisoned them.

Hmmm...while I certainly don't want that to happen, I had a reason in my mind for planning to buy an opaque feeding container rather than a clear one. I have noticed that my toads REALLY don't understand clear glass/plastic. They will keep trying to walk through it for a long time when other animals would "figure out" that they couldn't go any farther and turn around. I reasoned it would be less confusing for them at feeding time to be in a solid container, and that their food might also be easier to see on a solid material rather than a clear one.

Anyone else notice this behavior in their toads? Do you have any other thoughts on whether a clear/solid container would be better to buy for feeding purposes before I go grab one? Any types to avoid due to toxicity? Thanks.

[Lacibeth]

Hmmm...while I certainly don't want that to happen, I had a reason in my mind for planning to buy an opaque feeding container rather than a clear one. I have noticed that my toads REALLY don't understand clear glass/plastic. They will keep trying to walk through it for a long time when other animals would "figure out" that they couldn't go any farther and turn around. I reasoned it would be less confusing for them at feeding time to be in a solid container, and that their food might also be easier to see on a solid material rather than a clear one.

Anyone else notice this behavior in their toads? Do you have any other thoughts on whether a clear/solid container would be better to buy for feeding purposes before I go grab one? Any types to avoid due to toxicity? Thanks.

For our toad that doesn't get the concept of glass (and I really don't blame him) we do a quick wrap of newsprint around the critter keeper we feed him in.