Western Green Toads are small colourful species that make a great addition to a collection. As with most toad species, they are easy to care for and can be ideal for beginner amphibian keepers.
The Western Green Toad is a small species reaching an adult size of 3-4cm (1-1.5 inches), females are slightly larger than males. They tend to have a plump appearance with short limbs and large parotoid glands just above the ear opening. They are brightly coloured and tend to be a light green with black and lighter green or sometimes yellow spotting. The underside is cream, males have a dark vocal sac. Warts are present all over the body which gives them the typical toad look. If they feel threatened they will flatten themselves against the ground.
The Western Green Toad is found in arid to semi-arid areas that include the central of Texas and Oklahoma down to Mexico, Southeastern Colorado and Southeastern Arizona to Eastern Texas. They become active after rains and will come out of hiding during the night to feed.
Western Green Toads are terrestrial (ground dwelling) therefore the enclosure does not require much height. We would recommend keeping a group of around six toads in a 60x45x30cm (LxWxH) Exo Terra Glass Terrarium. The front opening doors allow easy access and the mesh top can have a canopy top fitted for lighting and heating. The use of a 2% or 5% compact UVB bulb can be used along with a daytime bulb to give heat during the day and a night light can be used for nocturnal viewing. Aim for a daytime temperature of 22-26C (71.5-79F) and a night time drop down to room temperature, this can be as low 10C (50F). In the wild this can drop into minus figures as they will burrow down to stay warm.
Provide a sand and soil mix substrate to the depth of 2 inches, this can be damp at the bottom and dry on the surface. Place rocks, caves and cork bark within the enclosure for enrichment, the use of artificial or live plants can be used as well to add some colour. If using live plants, we would recommend using the ProRep Bio Life substrate, add some spring tails and woodlice to the mixture to make this bio active.
Always provide bottled or treated water in a medium to large water dish. Feed a range of small live insects such as crickets, locusts, flies and earth worms. The foods should be dusted in a vitamin and mineral supplement (Nutrobal) twice a week and every other feed with a calcium powder. Each Western Green Toad will eat approx. 6-8 small prey items during each feed when adults, babies and young toads should be fed more insects.
