I have recently found a deformed toad in my backyard and was fascinated by it's differences, so I decided to keep it. I have it in a ten gallon terarium, which it seems confortable in. I have enough dirt for it to burrow in, which it has already done. I also have some grass planted in the cage, which seems to be its favorite place to hide. I just bought some crickets for it and I left some in the cage for it and he never ate them. I have also tried using tweezers, which I think might be to short and so I think my hand is scaring it away from the food. Since it was caught outside could captivity be the reason for it not eating food? If so I am more than willing to let it go. It is very thin and needs help! Thanks

Ok few questions for ya...
~How long have you had the frog inside?
~Just what kind of deformities are you talking about?
~What kind of heating do you have for the tank and what are the temps?
Where did you get the grass that is planted in the tank?

As for him not eating, it could be from multiple factors, including most likely the stress of being in the tank. It might be ok in a couple of weeks if you disturb it as little as possible, or it might never adjust...

I am of 2 minds about putting it back outside, just because you didn't really explain what the deformity is. If it is sufficient enough that it would have a difficult time surviving outside I would probably elect to keep it. However if it is still capable to getting around and hunting, and getting on with day to day life, then it should probably go outside and you can find many cool frogs in the pet store to keep(though you would probably want to upgrade your tank depending on what you find...)

Welcome to the neighborhood by the way!

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I don't know anything about frogs or toads but I agree with what has already been said about if it is capable of remaining outdoors and staying with what he/she knows and is used to, that is probably best.

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everything Shell asked. We need to know a few more specifics before we can answer your question.

Also, what other sorts of hiding places do you have in there. A toad will benefit from a hide/cave/plant to be in.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I've had him inside for about a week; and his deformities are: on one of his front feet he is missing some toes, which isn't a problem; he has a joint problem in the other front leg, the leg is always turned in under his head, if that makes sense, which makes it a little dificult for him to move around; and on one of his back legs he almost has another foot comming off of that foot. As for heating, I was told I didn't need any type of heat source since my house temps stay within 75-80 degree range. The grass and his burrows are the only hiding places, would this do or should I get a cave for him? This is my first time with frogs, although I have keep reptiles before, so bear with me and thanks again. Also, could he already be used to a specific type of food he finds outside? P.S. I've named him Fred.

Being a new captive it is not unusual that it won't eat. It is severely stressed out from being caged.
How large is the toad?
Are you saying that one leg has two feet on it?

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

It's only about 2 1/2 inches long. and one of the back legs doesn't quite have two feet comming off of it, but almost does. I'll see if I can get some clear pics.

I would give him some more hiding spaces. He will feel more secure and more likely to eat. He also needs a water dish, like a small dog dish for water. Be sure to dechlorinate it before putting in the dish.

For feeding, I would suggest crickets and earth worms.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I have a water bowl in there large enough for him to soak in. I don't have any earthworms but could get some. Do they seem to enjoy the earth worms better or does it all depend? I also have a calcium supplement powder, how often should I use it? How long does it take for water to dechlorinate? If I boiled it would it dechlorinate? Of course I would let it cool before putting it into the cage though. What is the desired temp for the toads water? Sorry for all the questions.

questions are fine!

If you put water in a pot/bowl whatever and let stand for 24 hours, the chlorine will evaporate, or you could to to a pet store and get water treatment stuff for like $4. Boiling does nothing. The water is fine at your current enclosure temps.

dust your crickets/worms with calcium every other feeding. Its just preference for what they want to eat. I have 3 frogs that like worms, and 3 that don't.

be sure to have a 12 hour on and 12 hour off light cycle.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.