Care Guide - Common Toad

Can They Live Together?

Cohabitation is typically not recommended. Attempting to house them together can cause significant stress to one or both animals unless managed by an expert under carefully controlled conditions.

What size do they get?

Female individuals of this species can grow up to 13cm, while males remain smaller, reaching only about 8cm. Their compact size makes them an excellent choice for smaller habitats.

When will i see them?

This species is primarily nocturnal. I often observe mine becoming active during the evening, typically after 10:30 PM. During the day, they enter an almost idle state, much like tarantulas, remaining still and waiting for prey. However, at night, they come to life, actively exploring their enclosure and hunting for food.

Costs to keep

How much will it roughly cost you to keep an individual Common Toad well including the setup and ongoing costs, this does not include unexpected vet bills or the rising cost of products over time.

Used for energy calculation : https://www.sust-it.net/energy-calculator.php

Distribution -

These creatures have a broad distribution, spanning across mainland UK, much of Europe, and even extending into parts of Russia. Listed below are two examples of locations where they have been observed by iNaturalist users. Their preferred habitats include forests, shaded fields, wetlands, and marshes.

Rating (Ease of Care): Fairly easy - ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Why this rating?

★ Only available as wild-caught specimens.

★★ Can produce mild toxins, making handling challenging.

Setup Requirements - 

These animals have modest enclosure requirements. For a small male or juvenile, a minimum enclosure size of 20x20x20 cm is sufficient. For an adult or female, I recommend a minimum size of 30x30x20 cm. However, as always, bigger is better—housing them in a 2-ft vivarium would be an excellent choice and provide additional space for enrichment.

Substrate options and decor-

For my toad, I use a sedge peat substrate because it retains humidity exceptionally well, ensuring the toad gets adequate water vapor in addition to using its water dish. If you'd like a more naturalistic setup, you can also use the top layer of soil from your garden as a substrate and plant grass seeds in it for an authentic, natural vibe. Just be sure the soil is free of pesticides and weed killers to keep your toad safe.

Suitable Live Plants -

Small plants from UK gardens are well-suited for this species, as they are often found in gardens or woodlands with fairly humid conditions (around 60% or higher). Below, you'll find a list of smaller plants that work wonderfully for enclosures. The list begins with non-native species, followed by plants naturally found in Britain. Keep in mind that you’re not restricted to using English native plants or bushes – feel free to adapt based on the species' natural range.

If you're considering adding plants, look into common forest plants typically used in high-humidity environments that can also tolerate colder winter temperatures.

First on the list is the Pellionia pulchra. This plant is an excellent choice for placing near caves or decorative elements within a common toad's enclosure. It thrives in humid substrates, grows well in shaded areas, and requires minimal maintenance. Another great addition is standard Sphagnum moss. This moss is highly effective at keeping parts of the terrarium moist, allowing your toad to move around and regulate its water intake as needed.

Heating and lighting-

No heating is necessary. However, I recommend providing a light source during the day to help them maintain their circadian rhythm. If you live in the UK, you can keep them in an unheated room, as this closely mimics their natural outdoor environment. 

Humidity requirements -

A common misconception is that they need constant water or highly humid environments. In reality, they are quite adept at self-regulating their moisture needs. The best approach is to provide them with access to moist areas, such as moss, along with a shallow pool or bowl of water. Ensure the water isn't deeper than the length of their nose and that they can easily exit the bowl, as they do not hop or jump like frogs.

Diet and Nutrition

Their diets are simple and easy to manage. They can be fed a standard reptile diet consisting of crickets, small locusts, and small dubia roaches. As they grow, you can gradually increase the size of the prey items to match their needs. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the prey item is smaller than 75% of the distance between their eyes, which they can comfortably consume.

It is essential to coat prey items with nutritional supplements, such as Reptivite or calcium with added D3, to ensure healthy growth and prevent metabolic bone disease. This supplementation is crucial for their overall health, as is the case with all amphibians.

Behaviours-

If you appreciate a low-maintenance companion by day and a lively, nocturnal hunter by night, this is the perfect pet for you! During the day, they prefer to stay hidden, conserving their energy. But when night falls, they come to life—exploring, hunting for prey, and occasionally taking a refreshing dip in their water bowl.

Handling -

Avoid handling these toads, as they are mildly toxic and can make you ill. They are also harmful to domestic animals, such as dogs and cats. The only time you should move them is during a deep clean of their enclosure, and always use disposable gloves. Additionally, these toads do not enjoy being handled, and excessive interaction can cause unnecessary stress.

Day and night Cycle -

A standard 12-hour day and night cycle works effectively. Below is data from Norwich, United Kingdom, which falls within their natural range. This information highlights the average durations required for day and night cycles.

Data collected from timeanddate.com

Common health issues -

Lack of hydration -

It’s essential to provide a shallow water dish for the toad to soak in, as this helps keep it hydrated.

Usual wild caught issues - 

Wild-caught animals often carry parasites and diseases, which are among the leading causes of mortality. To prevent cross-contamination with other animals in your care, it is highly recommended to quarantine any animal sourced from the wild—especially if you’ve caught it yourself. This precaution helps ensure the health and safety of your entire collection.

Temprature requirements - 

Standard UK temperatures are sufficient for them. During the winter, they can comfortably be kept at room temperature, and they will thrive in these conditions. Below is a graph showing the average UK temperatures in Norfolk, one of the regions within their natural distribution.

Cleaning -

Inspect the enclosure once a week to remove any feces and to check for dead or hiding invertebrates. This helps prevent issues during molting and reduces the risk of potential bites to the toad. Occasionally spray the glass and enclosure walls to clean off any bacterial buildup. Use caution when selecting cleaning products, as a toad's permeable skin makes them more susceptible to harmful toxins. Always prioritize their safety and well-being.

Brumation

These toads typically do not brumate; instead, they enter a phase of reduced activity often referred to as "overwintering." During this time, they retreat to their burrows or hide among decorations, becoming far less active. They emerge from this low-activity state to forage when temperatures become mild. This overwintering period generally lasts from October to around March or April, depending on the weather conditions.

Avalability -

It is illegal to purchase wild-caught toads as they are native to England, though their population has been in decline since the 1980s. These creatures can be elusive, and I strongly discourage removing them from the wild. However, if it happens unintentionally, this guide can provide you with some helpful starting points. For example, I once encountered a toad while cutting down a bush in my garden. Unfortunately, I destroyed its habitat in the process, as it was hiding among rocks I disturbed. To ensure its safety, I rehomed the toad. That said, intentionally taking wildlife from their natural environment is harmful and should be avoided. If you wish to keep a toad, the best and most ethical option is to purchase one that has been captive-bred (This is the only legal way to buy them). This prevents further stress on wild populations, which are already classified as "at risk" by the UK government due to habitat loss. There are reputable sellers offering captive-bred toads, and choosing this route helps protect the species while also providing you with a healthy and legal pet. Please note, if you acquire a captive-bred toad, it is illegal to release it into the wild. Doing so can introduce diseases and place additional strain on already fragile ecosystems, which may have a cascading impact on the food chain. Responsible pet ownership is essential to preserving our native wildlife.

References-

Gallery -

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