🐸 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.

1. 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

Provide:

  • 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

Best options:

  • 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.

2. 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

  • Low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) is optional and may support natural rhythms

  • 12-hour day/night cycle

They prefer dim lighting.

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

  • 40–60%

  • 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

  • Change daily

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

4. Diet

Gulf Coast Toads are insectivores, eating a wide variety of invertebrates.

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles: Every 1–2 days

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

Prey

Staples:

  • 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

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

  • Skittish and jumpy when startled

  • Settle down once accustomed to environment

  • Nocturnal—most active in evening and at night

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

Provide:

  • Hiding spots

  • Leaf litter to dig under

  • Logs and low branches

  • Occasional rearranging of décor

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

  • 6–10 years, potentially longer in captivity

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

Vet Care

Seek a reptile/amphibian vet if:

  • Toad refuses food for more than 2 weeks

  • Shows redness, sores, or fungal-looking patches

  • Has bloating or unusual swelling

🐸 Final Notes

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.