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how to take care of toads

rob333 (zone 7b)

last year

last modified: last year

I've had one toad in my yard for years. Or at least it has not been overwhelming. For the past two years I've managed to dig one up. Today, it looked like a rude awakening for the poor dear. And for the record, I typically grow my plants, enough of them, so that we both can exist. I often attract critters on purpose. Welcome here!

Apparently, I need to learn more about toads. Pass along your wisdom.

Featured Answer

marmiegard_z7b

last year

I assumed the OP was digging in garden and unearthed a hibernating toad unintentionally.
I don’t know that there’s a Toad-Finder sensor device.

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Comments (9)

peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
last year
Love this post & toads! They are loners so set up a few toad houses and provide water. Set these up in shady out of the way spots and our wonderful garden helpers will come. Slugs & snails are on their menu!
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
last year
Broken terracotta pots make great toad abodes.

tj
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I have toads in my garden (I think they are American Toads) that came out each evening last summer and ate mealworms (which I put out nightly for my bluebird family.) They clearly knew when & where to go! This spring I'll be doing some renovations as I dig my pond and re-grade parts of the yard. My fear is that I don't know where exactly the toads live and I'm worried they may be hibernating in an area I intend to cover with 1-2 feet of soil. Does anyone have any idea how robust these guys are? Do you think I should do this in January/February (as I had intended) or wait until they come out in the spring? Part of me thinks they'll be more protected if they are currently underground, versus if they are sitting in the grass and I unknowingly dump soil right on top of them. This is really stressing me! I love my toads! Any suggestions??? Thanks!
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Jay 6a Chicago
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Toads love to climb to the top of my compost pile and feast on the bugs attracted to my fresh kitchen scraps. Im planning on making an inground bog and maybe a shallow pool for the toads and frogs to lay their eggs in. Why do you dig them up? Wouldn't it be better to let them emerge on their own, when they feel ready?
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
last year
the more i ignored them.. the more i seemed to have..

why do you think they need much of anything from you ..

perhaps.. its more of a rural vs city thing.. i might see where city toads need a little help ..

but if he got to your by himself.. then what more do you need to do

just grow the garden that provides the moisture and food.. and he and she will be happy ... sort of a field of dreams thing ....

ken
rob333 (zone 7b)
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Yes I dug him up accidentally. I guess I just need to know what to look for so I don't do that again.

I already had all the requirements that he needed, just like you said Ken.
rusty_blackhaw
last year
I have occasionally provided a partially sunken clay pot on its side as a garden hiding place, but never actually saw a toad use one. They appreciate the night lights adjacent to the patio, which attract bugs and provide tasty snacks.
FrozeBudd_z3/4
last year
Ahhh, I miss the toads! Back on the farm, there had always been several that would spend the nights tucking themselves into the crack between the foundation wall and the cement pad. Since I've moved to the new place, in the last fifteen years, sadly only once have I had a toad keep me company for the summer.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
No toads here......but scads of tiny little tree frogs!! They choose their own preferred habitat, typically jumping out and startling the heck out of me when I accidently disturb them in their hiding place! One has seemingly taken up residence in my covered BBQ in winter. For several years, he (or a relative) has surprised me when the grill is first uncovered for the season.

These guys are so tiny, I can't imagine they consume many slugs or snails, which are the same size or larger. And while tiny, these guys have a very big voice!! Their calls at night would make you think they are much larger toads!

For scale, that is only a 2" wide rim he is sitting on!

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