Ok, I want to get the wife something that she will like for Valentines day. She has a thing for frogs and the like and with all the surgery I've had money is now an issue. The store next to where I work has some Fire Belly Toads for less than five dollars so they are right in my price range. My question is how much care to they need and what set-up do they need to thrive, not just survive? I wouldn't mind opinions on how they are as pets. I know they are not holding animals.

__________________
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon (Dundee)
1.0.0 Chow/mix Dog (Simba)
1.0.0 Russian Hamster (Bear)
1.1.0 Parakeets (Little Tweet and Feathers)
0.1.0 Long hair gray calico cat (Opal)
0.0.3 Red-eared slider turtles (Mommy, Daddy, Robbie)
0.0.16 Fishy Friends - misc. tropical fish

I got two of them in a 10 gallon tank, filled up with three inches of water and a bunch of sand and rocks for land. I also got a small filter and some lights for plant growth. They don't need any heat and are very happy in a small tank. Need to feed them crickets or mealworms once a week. Definetly not a holding pet like you said, they have toxic skin. They look cool, but do spend most of their time just sitting in the water.

http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/frogs...talfbtoads.htm

I haven't ever kept them, but this is what popped up when I googled them. I think they are fairly popular so I'm sure more people will be along with more tips soon enough!

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos

Back in the day:

I kept mine in a highly vegitated enclosure with a small little pool. (Much like I keep my Croc skinks).

I would offer a variety of insects as feeders as well as several types of the readily available worms, even witnessed them taking guppies from the pool. Don't forget the dust.

As they do not need heat, I would not let the temps get lower than 75° and keep the water at around 70°; but that's my thoughts on it, as truth be told, I never really read up on other people took care of them-I've kept mine for 6-7 years.

Zane

__________________

Zane Neher.

The great and strong man is one who bears within his character many contradictions.
Crocodilian care.

I've got four of them. They make neat little pets. Just follow what the others have said, and Lacey's link and you should do fine. Keep in mind that there is more than one species of fire-bellied toad though. The one you are referring to is called the oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis). Other species include the European, giant, and yellow-bellied, but they are far less common. They're also communal, and do best if kept in small groups of up to 6 toads. OFBTs are pretty active compared to most amphibians as well. You may see them hopping around the enclosure and making their own chirping and "Oop-Oop" noises

__________________
+5 bonus points to whoever finds me a job!

"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield

FBTs are really easy to keep, and they're so cute. Ideally you want about 4-5 gallons of space per frog, but like Matt said, they are communal critters, so they'll be happier in groups. I used to keep 4 of them in a 20 gallon, with about 2-3 inches of water and a filter. If you don't get a filter, you'll be changing the water constantly (depending on how many FBTs you get). If you go with using some kind of gravel or pebbles, just make sure they're bigger than the toad's mouth so they won't be accidentally swallowed. If you have any more specific questions, just ask. They're cool little pets if you don't mind the noise, lol.

__________________
Lost my best friend - RIP Dax

Well I hope the wife likes them because two of them are coming home for her. Thanks All for your help!

__________________
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon (Dundee)
1.0.0 Chow/mix Dog (Simba)
1.0.0 Russian Hamster (Bear)
1.1.0 Parakeets (Little Tweet and Feathers)
0.1.0 Long hair gray calico cat (Opal)
0.0.3 Red-eared slider turtles (Mommy, Daddy, Robbie)
0.0.16 Fishy Friends - misc. tropical fish

Hmmmmm,.....
Two Firebelly toads,....$12.95
20 Gallon long aquarium,....$40.00
Pump, filter, etc,........$20.00


Being able to lie,...erm,...convince the wife that the new herps she just found were REALLY for HER...
priceless!

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

$12.95! Mine were only $3.95 ea.! You should come get yours here! The whole set-up was just $20.00. Not an ideal set-up but will hold them till this weekend and besides I really did need a holding tank for when SHE cleans them. I had most of the equipment already from back when our turtles were quarter sized!

Actually the wife was TOADally thrilled! Sorry couldn't help myself. One got named Toadzilla and the other one is as of yet un-named. I am promoting Irving but not having a lot of success. I mean really, Toadzilla and Irving, what a combo!

__________________
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon (Dundee)
1.0.0 Chow/mix Dog (Simba)
1.0.0 Russian Hamster (Bear)
1.1.0 Parakeets (Little Tweet and Feathers)
0.1.0 Long hair gray calico cat (Opal)
0.0.3 Red-eared slider turtles (Mommy, Daddy, Robbie)
0.0.16 Fishy Friends - misc. tropical fish

*cough*PICTURES?*cough*...that is all...

__________________

Those who say it can't be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.

~*~Lacey~*~

My Photos