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Care sheet: Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Common Name: Common Toad, European Common Toad.

Scientific Name: Bufo bufo.

Distribution: Distributed widely throughout most of Europe.

Size: Males: 5-8cm, females: 9-12cm.

Sexing: The males of this species can be heard calling, this is the most reliable way of sexing, Males also have nuptial pads on 1st finger, during breeding season these pads also develop on the 2nd and 3rd fingers, and males are the smaller sex.

Colouration: The dorsal surface is a grey, brown or olive often with darker spots that sometimes fuse into irregular bands. The ventral surface is light-grey with dark brown-black spots.

Requirements: These toads are rather large individuals and require a fairly large terrarium. A 15-gallon tank would be adequate for an adult pair. They require a woodland type set-up with a substrate of sandy topsoil and moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark, rock and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of climbing and hiding places. A large water bowl (no deeper than the toad's nostrils when at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The water will need to be changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. If kept in a warm room the tank will not require any additional heating. A separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilised using an amphibian / reptile friendly disinfectant.

Feeding: Juvenile Toads should be fed daily with a mixture of suitably sized insects including small crickets, ants, waxworm, earthworm and caterpillars. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement two-three times a week. Adult Toads should be fed every two-three days with a mixture of crickets, regular mealworms, ants, earthworms, beetles, waxworm, and caterpillars. The food items should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement once a week.

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