Amphibian · Toad
Colorado river toad care guide
Incilius alvarius
The colorado river toad is a intermediate-level toad from Sonoran Desert, southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico. Adults reach 10–19 cm and live 10–20 years in captivity. Needs a large water bowl it can soak in but otherwise a warm, drier setup with deep soil.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity 30–50% (humid hide)
How much does a colorado river toad cost in Canada?
Colorado river toad quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 10–19 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Sonoran Desert, southwestern USA and northwestern Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 26–30°C, basking 32°C
- Humidity
- 30–50% (humid hide)
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms, occasional pinkies
- Bioactive style
- Terrestrial amphibian
Colorado river toad enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 30–50% (humid hide). UVB: Recommended.
What does a colorado river toad eat?
Carnivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms, occasional pinkies. Feed adults every 3–5 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Strongly toxic secretions; handle rarely and wash hands.
Health watch: Obesity, skin infections and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperature (many salamanders need it cool) and keep the water dish clean.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food.
- Moisten soil if the surface dries; check the drainage layer.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check crew numbers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil.
Recommended for a colorado river toad bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Colorado river toad FAQ
Is the colorado river toad good for beginners?
The colorado river toad is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Strongly toxic secretions; handle rarely and wash hands.
What size enclosure does a colorado river toad need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a colorado river toad cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $580–990 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a colorado river toad need?
Temperature: 26–30°C, basking 32°C. Humidity: 30–50% (humid hide).
What does a colorado river toad eat?
Carnivore – roaches, crickets, earthworms, occasional pinkies. Feed adults every 3–5 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.