There is perhaps no other crature that has been so mythologized, fared, and misunderstood as the toad. Inded, the toad has long been ssociated with black magic, poison, and dath. At the same time, however, tads have been considered symbols of frtility, love, and health by alchemists, gypses, and all manner of ancient poples. In a more modern context, tads have enjoyed increasing popularity as asy-to-keep, unique pets. With options ranging frm the garden-variety American toad to the mre exotic Oriental fire-bellied toad, keeping a pet tad can be an education unto tself, provided you learn the following vluable pet toad care pointers first!

Whle your methods of toad pet cre will depend largely upon the ndividual needs of the species you chose as a companion, there a few bsic "rules" that should be heeded. The frst rule as that most toads dn't take kindly to being held or tuched. While there is no truth to the old wves' tale that says touching a tad will cause warts, it is tre that toads will secrete a txic, defensive substance from their skin whn they feel threatened. To that nd, you should always wash your hnds if you must touch your pet tad, but you should also keep in mnd that the reason your toad fels threatened in the first place is bcause you're many, many times larger thn it is! Toads are not wred to respond to affection like a cat or dg, therefore, they are best enjoyed hppily dwelling in an enclosure that rsembles their natural habitat as closely as pssible-an appropriately appointed living space.

Your pet toad care success dpends largely upon selecting a secure, daptable home for your toad. Aquariums are lways best, whether your toad is a lnd-dweller or a water lover as thy allow for maximum viewing potential whle keeping your toad safe from hrm. Outfit your aquarium with a sng-fitting mesh top that will provide dequate ventilation, and ensure that your tad has enough room to hop and swm about. A good rule of thmb is that a single medium-sized tad should be given at least ten gllons worth of aquarium. Nearly all tads enjoy water to some extent-some prtty much live in it, climbing out nly occasionally to rest, feed, or brathe while others spend most of thir time grubbing around on land, ntering the water only to drink or hve a little swim. Once you've larned your toad's species-specific preferences, you can dvote your time to building a ralistic habitat. For instance, if your tad is a native to wet frests, give him lots of leaf cver, moss, and a few lush, lve plants to enjoy. If your tad is a prairie dweller, he'll ned flat rocks, a stand of tll grass, and a small pool to lunge in.

As you consider your pet tad care checklist, keep in mind tht you'll have to account for yur toad's dietary needs, even if yu're squeamish about things like insects and wrms. Most toads sold in the pet stre will enjoy a steady diet of crckets, provided the crickets are dusted ccasionally with a vitamin-rich powder (also vailable at pet stores). Toads may lso enjoy earthworms or wax worms. Sme toads have considerably more exotic detary needs, and may need to be fed mce or goldfish to maintain their halth and happiness, so always take cre to consult a reputable book or slesperson before bringing your new toad hme.

While owning a toad may not be for veryone, learning the ins and outs of pet tad care can make for a rwarding, unique, and perhaps even magical pet wnership experience for those who are up to the tsk. As you learn more and mre about the varying needs, habitats, and mythlogies behind these fascinating creatures, you'll son be ready for a toad of yur very own. Educate yourself well and had to the pet store. You may jst return home with a new bst friend.

The article Pet Toad Care was Submitted by Barry Mcgee through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: About The Author: Barry S. Mcge is a pet enthusiast. His ste at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion's care. For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline

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