Toad Questions, Answered (Beginner FAQ)

By The Bognook Team · written & researched by amphibian keepers🔍 Keeper-reviewed for accuracy

Toads are the chunky, charming, low-fuss members of the amphibian world — and they come with more myths than most. Let’s clear those up.

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Myths & safety

Do toads give you warts?

No — that’s a myth. Human warts come from a virus, not toads. Toads do secrete mild skin toxins, so wash your hands after contact and keep them away from your eyes, mouth, and pets.

Are toads poisonous?

They secrete a mild defensive toxin from glands behind the eyes — enough to irritate skin and to genuinely endanger a dog that bites one. They’re safe to keep and gently handle with clean hands, but supervise around pets and small kids.

“Is this normal?”

Why is my toad burrowing or not eating?

Burrowing is totally normal, and toads are most active at dusk/night. Appetite naturally dips seasonally; if it’s persistent, check the temperature and that the substrate is moist. Offer food in the evening.

Is my toad sick?

Watch for cloudy or swollen eyes, bloating, persistent lethargy, a red belly, or straining. Any of these warrants a check of husbandry and, if it doesn’t resolve, an exotics vet.

Keeping one

Can I keep a wild toad I found?

Usually it’s best — and sometimes legally required — to let it go. Wild toads belong to the local ecosystem and can carry parasites. Check local laws; for a pet, choose a captive-bred toad.

Are toads good beginner pets?

Yes — hardy, forgiving, and long-lived. A great first amphibian for a prepared keeper.

What do toads eat, and what setup do they need?

Crickets and worms dusted with calcium. Setup: a terrestrial terrarium with deep moist substrate to burrow, a hide, and a shallow dish of dechlorinated water to soak in (they absorb water through their skin rather than drinking). Room temperature, out of direct sun.

How long do toads live?

Often 10–20+ years — a proper long-term commitment (some captive toads have lived far longer).

💚 Toads are wonderfully undramatic pets — give them damp substrate, bugs, and a place to soak, and they’ll happily outlast a lot of things. Ask away; nothing’s too basic.

Go deeper: the Toad care sheet · all toad guides.

Common questions

Do toads give you warts?

No. The idea that touching a toad causes warts is a myth. Warts in people are caused by a virus, not toads. Toads do secrete mild toxins through their skin, though, so wash your hands after handling and keep them away from your eyes, mouth, and pets.

Are toads poisonous?

Toads secrete mild toxins from glands behind their eyes as a defence, which can irritate skin and be dangerous if a pet bites one. They are safe to keep and gently handle if you wash your hands afterwards, but supervise around dogs and small children.

Why is my toad burrowing or not eating?

Burrowing is completely normal toad behaviour, and they are most active at dusk and night. Reduced appetite can be normal seasonal slowing, or it can mean the temperature is off or the substrate is too dry. Provide deep moist substrate and offer food in the evening.

Can I keep a wild toad I found?

In most cases it is best, and sometimes legally required, to leave wild toads where you found them, as they are part of the local ecosystem and can carry parasites or diseases. Check your local wildlife laws, and if you want a pet toad, buy a captive-bred one.

Are toads good beginner pets?

Yes. Toads are among the hardiest, most forgiving, and longest-lived amphibian pets, which makes them an excellent first amphibian for a prepared keeper.

What do toads eat?

Toads eat insects such as crickets and worms, dusted with a calcium supplement. Feed appropriately sized prey and remove uneaten insects.

What tank setup does a toad need?

A terrestrial terrarium (10 to 20 gallons) with deep, moist substrate to burrow, a hide, and a shallow dish of dechlorinated water to soak in. Keep it at room temperature, out of direct sun.

How long do toads live?

Pet toads commonly live 10 to 20 years or more, so keeping one is a long-term commitment.