🐸 General Info

American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus) are hardy, adaptable, and widely distributed amphibians native to the eastern and central United States. They thrive in forests, meadows, gardens, wetlands, and suburban areas. Known for their bumpy skin, earthy coloration, and gentle personalities, American Toads are one of the easiest amphibians to keep in captivity.

They are medium-sized, usually 2–4.5 inches, with females generally larger than males. American Toads are mostly nocturnal, spending daylight hours burrowed or hiding. They are quiet, low-maintenance, and entertaining—especially when hunting.

With proper care, American Toads can live 10–15 years, and in rare cases even longer.

1. Enclosure

Size

  • Adults: 20-gallon long or larger

  • Pairs/Groups: 30–40 gallons

  • Juveniles: 10 gallons

Horizontal space is more important than vertical height.

Material

  • Glass tanks, plastic tubs, or front-opening terrariums

  • Must allow good ventilation but still hold moderate humidity

Décor

Provide:

  • Multiple hides (caves, cork bark, logs)

  • Leaf litter

  • Moss patches

  • Branches or logs

  • Live/non-toxic plants (optional)

They thrive in naturalistic, forest-floor environments.

Substrate

Best options:

  • Coconut fiber (Eco Earth)

  • Organic topsoil (no fertilizers or perlite)

  • Cypress mulch

  • Leaf litter layers

Depth: 3–4 inches is ideal for burrowing.

Avoid gravel or small stones—impaction risk.

2. Temperature & Lighting

Temperatures

  • Warm Side: 75–80°F

  • Cool Side: 68–72°F

  • Ambient: 70–75°F

  • Night: 65–70°F

They tolerate cooler temperatures better than heat—avoid overheating.

Heating

  • Often unnecessary unless your room drops below 65°F

  • If needed, use a low-wattage overhead bulb or side heat panel

  • Avoid heat mats beneath the enclosure (can over-dry substrate)

Lighting

  • UVB is not required, but optional low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) is beneficial

  • Keep enclosure dimly lit with a 12-hour day/night cycle

They prefer shaded, low-light conditions.

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

  • 50–70%

  • Mist lightly once or twice daily

  • Keep the substrate moist but never swampy

Provide a humid hide for shedding and hydration.

Water

  • A shallow, wide water dish is essential

  • Must use dechlorinated or treated water

  • Change daily—American Toads absorb water through their skin

Make sure the dish is shallow enough to prevent accidental drowning.

4. Diet

American Toads are insectivores with strong appetites and excellent hunting instincts.

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles: Every 1–2 days

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

Staple Foods

  • Crickets

  • Dubia roaches

  • Earthworms (top-tier food)

  • Black soldier fly larvae

Occasional Treats

  • Waxworms

  • Mealworms

  • Small hornworms

  • Nightcrawlers (cut for smaller toads)

Supplements

  • Calcium without D3: 2–3× weekly

  • Calcium with D3: 1× weekly

  • Multivitamin: 1× weekly

Important Notes

  • Avoid wild-caught insects (parasites/pesticides)

  • Do not feed large, hard-shelled prey

  • Variety helps maintain nutrition

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

  • Skittish at first but usually calm once settled

  • Mostly nocturnal—active and alert at night

  • Will burrow to rest or feel secure

Handling

  • Limit handling as much as possible

  • Their skin absorbs chemicals—wash hands thoroughly

  • Use wet hands or a soft cup to move them

  • Stress from handling can cause illness over time

Enrichment

Provide:

  • Deep leaf litter

  • Tunnels

  • Logs and rocks

  • Occasional rearranging of décor

  • Moist burrowing areas

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

  • 10–15 years

  • Some individuals have lived 20+ years in captivity

Common Health Issues

  • Red-leg disease: bacterial skin infection from poor sanitation

  • Dehydration: from low humidity

  • Parasites: especially in wild-caught toads

  • Shedding issues: if humidity is too low

  • Impaction: from swallowing substrate like gravel or sand

Signs of Illness

  • Lethargy or weakness

  • Unusual redness on belly or legs

  • Persistent soaking (possible irritation)

  • Weight loss

  • Difficulty catching prey

  • Bumpy sores or discolored patches

Vet Care

Seek a vet if:

  • The toad refuses food for more than 2 weeks

  • Shows redness, sores, or fungal growth

  • Has swelling or drastic weight loss

🐸 Final Notes

American Toads are hardy, endearing amphibians perfect for keepers who enjoy natural, enrichment-focused setups and observing nocturnal behavior. With proper humidity, clean water, a varied insect diet, and minimal handling, they thrive and can live for many years. Their gentle nature and low-maintenance care make them excellent for both beginners and experienced amphibian keepers.