🐸 General Info

Gulf Coast Toads (Species: Incilius nebulifer) are hardy, adaptable toads native to the southern United States, especially Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast region. They thrive in a wide variety of environments such as forests, suburbs, marsh edges, and grasslands, and they are well-known for their durability and ease of care.

These toads are medium-sized, usually 2–4 inches, with males smaller than females. They have a distinctive long cranial ridge and rough skin typical of true toads. Gulf Coast Toads are active, alert, and fascinating to watch—especially at night when they forage.

With proper care, Gulf Coast Toads typically live 6–10 years, though some live longer in captivity.

Enclosure

  • Size

    • Adults: 20-gallon long or larger

    • Pairs/Groups: 30–40 gallons works best

    • Juveniles: 10 gallons

    • Horizontal space is more important than height.

  • Material

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

    • Must allow good airflow but still hold humidity moderately well

  • Décor

    • Multiple hides (cork bark, half logs)

    • Leaf litter

    • Branches or logs for climbing short distances

    • Live or fake plants for cover

    • They appreciate cluttered, forest-floor-like setups.

  • Substrate

    • Coconut fiber (Eco Earth)

    • Organic topsoil (no fertilizers)

    • Cypress mulch

    • Leaf litter mixture

    • Depth: 2–3 inches for light burrowing.

    • Avoid gravel or small stones—impaction risk.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Temperatures

    • Warm Side: 80–84°F

    • Cool Side: 72–75°F

    • Ambient: 72–78°F

    • Night: 68–72°F

  • Heating

    • Low-wattage heat mat on the side OR a small overhead bulb

    • Avoid heating the bottom if substrate is deep—can over-dry or overheat burrowers

  • Lighting

    • Gulf Coast Toads do not require UVB but still can be beneficial

    • Low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) replace bulb every 6 - 12 months according to manufacture

    • 12-hour day/night cycle

    • They prefer dim lighting.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 40–60%

  • Maintaining Humidity:

    • Lightly mist the enclosure, allowing it to dry slightly between mistings

    • High constant humidity can cause skin issues—balance is key

    • Provide a damp hide for shedding or during dry seasons.

  • Water

    • A shallow, wide water dish for soaking

    • Must be dechlorinated water ONLY

    • Change daily

    • Ensure the water level is shallow; toads can drown in deep dishes.

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores

  • Feeding Schedule

    • Juveniles: Every 1–2 days

    • Adults: Every 2–3 days

  • Staple Food:

    • Crickets

    • Dubia roaches

    • Earthworms (excellent staple)

  • Occasional treats:

    • Black soldier fly larvae

    • Waxworms or mealworms (sparingly)

    • Hornworms

  • Supplements

    • Calcium without D3: 2–3× weekly

    • Calcium + D3: 1× weekly

    • Multivitamin: 1× weekly

  • Important Notes

    • Avoid wild-caught insects (parasites, pesticides)

    • Don’t feed large, hard prey that could be tough to digest

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Gulf Coast Toads can be very jumpy when they are startled but they do calm down when they are in comfortable environments. They are nocturnal so they will be more active at night when they start looking for food.

  • Handling

    • Avoid frequent handling

    • Their skin absorbs chemicals—wash hands thoroughly

    • Only handle during enclosure cleaning or emergencies

    • Stress from handling can lead to health issues.

  • Enrichment

    • Hiding spots

    • Leaf litter to dig under

    • Logs and low branches

    • Occasional rearranging of décor

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 6–10 years with proper care

  • Common Health Issues

    • Skin infections: from overly wet or dirty substrate

    • Dehydration: from overly dry environments

    • Parasites: especially in wild-caught toads

    • Shedding problems: rare but possible if humidity is too low

  • Signs of Illness

    • Lethargy

    • Frequent soaking (possible irritation)

    • Bumpy, discolored patches

    • Weight loss

    • Difficulty catching prey

    • Cloudy eyes

  • 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:

Gulf Coast Toads are hardy, fascinating amphibians perfect for keepers who enjoy naturalistic setups and observing nighttime behaviors. With proper humidity, a varied insect diet, and a clean, moderately warm enclosure, they thrive in captivity and provide years of enjoyment. Their durability and low-maintenance needs make them ideal for both beginners and experienced amphibian keepers.