| There is perhaps no other creature that has been so | | | | ventilation, and ensure that your toad has enough |
| mythologized, feared, and misunderstood as the toad. | | | | room to hop and swim about. A good rule of thumb |
| Indeed, the toad has long been associated with black | | | | is that a single medium-sized toad should be given at |
| magic, poison, and death. At the same time, | | | | least ten gallons worth of aquarium. Nearly all toads |
| however, toads have been considered symbols of | | | | enjoy water to some extent-some pretty much live |
| fertility, love, and health by alchemists, gypsies, and | | | | in it, climbing out only occasionally to rest, feed, or |
| all manner of ancient peoples. In a more modern | | | | breathe while others spend most of their time |
| context, toads have enjoyed increasing popularity as | | | | grubbing around on land, entering the water only to |
| easy-to-keep, unique pets. With options ranging from | | | | drink or have a little swim. Once you've learned your |
| the garden-variety American toad to the more exotic | | | | toad's species-specific preferences, you can devote |
| Oriental fire-bellied toad, keeping a pet toad can be | | | | your time to building a realistic habitat. For instance, if |
| an education unto itself, provided you learn the | | | | your toad is a native to wet forests, give him lots of |
| following valuable pet toad care pointers first! | | | | leaf cover, moss, and a few lush, live plants to enjoy. |
| While your methods of toad pet care will depend | | | | If your toad is a prairie dweller, he'll need flat rocks, a |
| largely upon the individual needs of the species you | | | | stand of tall grass, and a small pool to lounge in. |
| choose as a companion, there a few basic "rules" | | | | As you consider your pet toad care checklist, keep in |
| that should be heeded. The first rule as that most | | | | mind that you'll have to account for your toad's |
| toads don't take kindly to being held or touched. | | | | dietary needs, even if you're squeamish about things |
| While there is no truth to the old wives' tale that | | | | like insects and worms. Most toads sold in the pet |
| says touching a toad will cause warts, it is true that | | | | store will enjoy a steady diet of crickets, provided |
| toads will secrete a toxic, defensive substance from | | | | the crickets are dusted occasionally with a |
| their skin when they feel threatened. To that end, | | | | vitamin-rich powder (also available at pet stores). |
| you should always wash your hands if you must | | | | Toads may also enjoy earthworms or wax worms. |
| touch your pet toad, but you should also keep in | | | | Some toads have considerably more exotic dietary |
| mind that the reason your toad feels threatened in | | | | needs, and may need to be fed mice or goldfish to |
| the first place is because you're many, many times | | | | maintain their health and happiness, so always take |
| larger than it is! Toads are not wired to respond to | | | | care to consult a reputable book or salesperson |
| affection like a cat or dog, therefore, they are best | | | | before bringing your new toad home. |
| enjoyed happily dwelling in an enclosure that | | | | While owning a toad may not be for everyone, |
| resembles their natural habitat as closely as | | | | learning the ins and outs of pet toad care can make |
| possible-an appropriately appointed living space. | | | | for a rewarding, unique, and perhaps even magical |
| Your pet toad care success depends largely upon | | | | pet ownership experience for those who are up to |
| selecting a secure, adaptable home for your toad. | | | | the task. As you learn more and more about the |
| Aquariums are always best, whether your toad is a | | | | varying needs, habitats, and mythologies behind |
| land-dweller or a water lover as they allow for | | | | these fascinating creatures, you'll soon be ready for a |
| maximum viewing potential while keeping your toad | | | | toad of your very own. Educate yourself well and |
| safe from harm. Outfit your aquarium with a | | | | head to the pet store. You may just return home |
| snug-fitting mesh top that will provide adequate | | | | with a new best friend. |