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American Toad

Anaxyrus americanus

BeginnerFamily Bufonidae

A hardy, long-lived native toad — one of the easiest amphibians to keep.

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✅ We have a full, fact-checked care sheet for the American Toad.

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📋 At a glance

Tank
Terrestrial 10–20 gal, deep moist substrate to burrow
Temp
Room temp ~65–75°F
Humidity
Moist substrate + a shallow water dish
Food
Crickets and worms, calcium-dusted
Lifespan
10+ years (often longer)

✅ Hardy, cheap and hands-off — a genuinely easy, decades-long companion.

🛒 Before you buy

  • A terrarium with deep coco-fibre/soil to burrow
  • A shallow dish of dechlorinated water (they soak, not drink)
  • A hide and a calcium supplement
  • A room-temp spot out of direct sun

A healthy one: Clear eyes · good weight · active at dusk · no lumps or open sores.

🚨 See a vet / act now if…

  • Cloudy or swollen eyes
  • Bloating or not eating
  • Red belly or persistent lethargy
  • Straining or prolapse

⛔ Never

  • Touching your face/eyes after handling (mild toxins — wash hands)
  • Chlorinated water
  • A bone-dry setup

Common american toad questions

How hard are American Toads to keep — are they good for beginners?

Beginner. Hardy, forgiving and long-lived — one of the very best first amphibians.

What do American Toads eat?

Crickets and worms, calcium-dusted

What size tank do American Toads need?

Terrestrial 10–20 gal, deep moist substrate to burrow

What temperature do American Toads need?

Room temp ~65–75°F

What humidity do American Toads need?

Moist substrate + a shallow water dish

How long do American Toads live?

10+ years (often longer)

What are the signs American Toads are sick?

See an exotics vet if you notice: Cloudy or swollen eyes; Bloating or not eating; Red belly or persistent lethargy; Straining or prolapse.

Free tools for the american toad

Calm, honest help — each one knows when to say "see a vet."

Symptom checkerTriage a worrying sign and know when to see a vet.Simple setup checklistA get-it-right setup + feeding checklist.Feeder cultureCulture your own feeder insects, cheaply.Male or female?The honest way to sex this one — and when you can tell.Common questionsReal questions keepers ask — answered straight.

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