Fowler's toad (Anaxyrus fowleri)
Photo: Rstanton13 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Toad

Fowler's toad care guide

Anaxyrus fowleri

Beginner

The fowler's toad is a beginner-level toad from Eastern USA, Lake Erie shore of Ontario. Adults reach 5–8 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. Endangered in Ontario: only captive-bred US stock may be kept. Provide deep soil.

  • Enclosure 60 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 18–25°C
  • Humidity 50–70%

How much does a fowler's toad cost in Canada?

Animal$20–40Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$280–520Enclosure $130–250 · equipment $70–160 · bioactive supplies ≈ $90
Yearly upkeep$100–200Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$400–760All prices CAD, estimates

Fowler's toad quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
5–8 cm
Lifespan
5–10 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Eastern USA, Lake Erie shore of Ontario
Minimum enclosure
60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 14 US gal)
Housing
Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
Temperature
18–25°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, earthworms, roaches
Bioactive style
Terrestrial amphibian

Fowler's toad enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (24 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
  3. Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm

Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.

Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a fowler's toad eat?

Insectivore – crickets, earthworms, roaches. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

Handling, temperament & health

Tolerates brief handling; wash hands after.

Health watch: Obesity and skin infections.

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 fowler's toad bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 30 × 30 cm).

Fowler's toad FAQ

Is the fowler's toad good for beginners?

Yes – the fowler's toad is a good choice for beginners. Tolerates brief handling; wash hands after.

What size enclosure does a fowler's toad need?

At least 60 × 30 × 30 cm (about 24 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 14 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.

How much does a fowler's toad cost in Canada?

Typically $20–40 CAD to buy, about $280–520 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a fowler's toad need?

Temperature: 18–25°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a fowler's toad eat?

Insectivore – crickets, earthworms, roaches. Feed adults dusted insects every 2–3 days.

Similar species

Browse all 1,000 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.