The Fired Up Toad
This particular breed of toad is native to much of Europe and Asia, although there are several different species of Fire Bellied Toad. These range from the Giant Fire Bellied Toads of China to the Apennine Yellow-Bellied Toads of Italy. Most species of the Fire Bellied Toad are able to secrete toxins from their skin (which are not deadly to humans) when they feel threatened but this is a last resort, as most predators have come to recognise the stark warning marks on their bellies.
So how do you keep these colourful amphibians as pets?
All Fire Bellied Toads are relatively small in comparison to other toads, even the giant species, which can grow to a maximum of 6cms (2.3 inches) in length. The lifespan varies between species, with many living between 10 and 15 years. However there are reports of some living to over the age of 20! When they feel threatened, these toads will arch their body to display the vibrant colours of their belly. If this fails to warn a predator, the toad may lie on its back, and as a final resort, the toad will secrete a creamy white toxin from its skin.
Housing
Fire Bellied Toads enjoy living as a group, and up to ten toads can be kept together, but the housing must be large enough for all of them to have separate areas. A 40-litre tank is the minimum volume for three toads. The ideal housing for Fire Bellied Toads is an aquarium, although a waterproof vivarium can be used, as these toads require both land and water in their homes. A shallow level of water should be available for the toads, but it is essential that it is cleaned regularly or that a filter is used, as their own toxins can poison them. As well as regular changing, water will need to be treated for chlorine, as this can greatly harm the toads.
The toads will also need heating in the tank. This can come from a heat mat, but it is far easier to use a heat lamp. If living plants are put in the aquarium, additional lighting may be needed for them to grow. Fire Bellied Toads can climb glass walls (as can some of their food), so a lid or cover will be needed on the tank. However, the tank must not be completely sealed, as the toads need good ventilation. Branches, logs and rocks are all great objects for the toads to bask on. Hiding places are essential in the tank. Fire Bellied Toads are hardy amphibians, and can withstand temperatures as low as 15C. However, the optimum temperature range is between 20–28C, and heat sources should be turned off at night to create a cooler (about 16C) atmosphere. It is ideal to place the heat source at one end of the tank, so as to allow for the toads to cool or heat themselves by moving along the temperature gradient. A thermometer is a must, so as to ensure the toad’s environment is at the right temperature.
Soil should be used as a substrate and should cover all of the land area. Moss should then cover the majority of the soil. The moss will need to be sprayed with water to keep it moist. Remember: everything that goes into the tank, including substrate, plants and decoration, must not have any chemicals (such as pesticides or cleaning products) on them. Toads can easily eat these items, which can lead to poisoning and even death.
Feeding
Fire Bellied Toads eat only live food, so they might not be the best pets for squeamish people! This type of toad does not have the commonly depicted mobile tongue. Instead, Fire Bellied Toads rely on forcing their sticky tongues on unsuspecting prey. A diet of crickets, supplemented with mealworms, earthworms and waxworms is best. The toads should be fed every other day. All food must be live, as the toads will prefer to eat it when it moves! It is a good idea to keep crickets in a small sealed tank, and feed them a nutrient rich powder, as well as providing them with water. This will ensure that the toads get everything they need from their diet. Again, ensure that all food and water is not contaminated or containing any harmful chemicals.
Maintenance
A vital point when cleaning or changing your toad’s tank is to remember that Fire Bellied Toads secrete toxins that can be poisonous. As well as this, your skin is toxic to them. It is therefore advisable to wear latex gloves when cleaning the tank and handling the toads. Your toads’ housing should be washed thoroughly at least once month, with warm water. This includes removing all substrate, water and decoration, cleaning them, and then replacing them. The substrate should be replaced every two months. Again, no cleaning products should be used. The water in your tank must be changed at least every two weeks. Faeces and dead food must be removed continuously. While cleaning the tank, place the toads in a secure, warm container and replace them as soon as possible.
Fire Bellied Toads are shy animals, and dislike their tanks being disturbed too often. However they will feed in front of you, so long as you do not disturb their prey. Fire Bellied Toads will also remember feeding schedules, and will be ready for food at a certain regular time. These amphibians spend the largest amount of their time in the water and are one of the few toads that live together in groups. Males will live together quite peacefully with the exception of little tussles. Fire Bellied Toads will hop around the tank and swim in the water.
Main signs that your toads’s diet is lacking include weakness of legs, laziness, and change in colouration. If you spot any of these, ensure that their diet is diverse and that the food is nutrient rich (this means coating food in a mineral supplement or feeding the toad’s a mineral rich substance). Toads can develop any skin defects such as lesions, infections or dryness which can be cured which correct treatment. If any other pets come into contact with or consume a Fire Bellied Toad, make sure you monitor its behaviour carefully as it may require treatment. Most other animals cannot tolerate the toads’ toxins, so it is extremely unadvisable to keep Fire Bellied Toads in multi-species tanks.
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