🐸 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.

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

    • 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

    • 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.

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 - replace bulb every 6 -12 months according to manufacture

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

    • They prefer shaded, low-light conditions.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 50–70%

  • Maintaining Humidity:

    • 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 ONLY

    • Change daily—American Toads absorb water through their skin

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

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores

  • 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

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: American Toads are fairly skittish but will settle in with routine and safe enclosure, they are mostly nocturnal and they like to burrow down into the substrate. They don’t make good handling animals but do make fun display animals.

  • 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

    • Deep leaf litter

    • Tunnels

    • Logs and rocks

    • Occasional rearranging of décor

    • Moist burrowing areas

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 10–15 + years with proper care

  • 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

  • Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

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.