Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)
Photo: Unknown / CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons

Amphibian · Toad

Woodhouse's toad care guide

Anaxyrus woodhousii

Beginner

The woodhouse's toad is a beginner-level toad from Western and central USA. Adults reach 6–12 cm and live 5–10 years in captivity. A hardy, hungry toad that does well with deep soil and a shallow water bowl.

  • Enclosure 60 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 20–27°C
  • Humidity 40–60%

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

Animal$20–45Typical 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

Woodhouse's toad quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
6–12 cm
Lifespan
5–10 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Western and central USA
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
20–27°C
Humidity
40–60%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, earthworms, roaches
Bioactive style
Terrestrial amphibian

Woodhouse'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: 20–27°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a woodhouse'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 woodhouse's toad bioactive

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

Woodhouse's toad FAQ

Is the woodhouse's toad good for beginners?

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

What size enclosure does a woodhouse'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 woodhouse's toad cost in Canada?

Typically $20–45 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 woodhouse's toad need?

Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 40–60%.

What does a woodhouse's toad eat?

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

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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.