Amphibians
Colorado River toad care guide
Incilius alvarius
A large desert toad (Sonoran Desert toad) that wants a drier, warmer setup than most amphibians, with a water dish and burrowing space.
Terrestrial — floor space first
Colorado River toad enclosure size
Terrestrial — floor space first. An adult colorado river toad should live in at least 36" L × 18" W × 16" H; we build toward 48" L × 24" W × 18" H (4 × 2 × 1.5 ft, roughly 8 sq ft of floor and about a 90-gallon glass equivalent).
- Hatchling / baby
- 20" L × 10" W × 12" H recommended · min 12" L × 8" W × 8" H
- Juvenile
- 30" L × 12" W × 12" H recommended · min 24" L × 12" W × 12" H
- Adult
- 48" L × 24" W × 18" H recommended · min 36" L × 18" W × 16" H
Temperature and heating
Heat lamp or mat on a thermostat over one end.
- Basking / warm surface
- Warm area around 85°F
- Warm side (ambient)
- 80–85°F
- Cool side (ambient)
- 72–78°F
- Night
- 68–72°F
Lighting and UVB
UVB: Low to moderate UVB (5%) is beneficial. Run lights on a 12–14 hours on photoperiod, on a timer, and replace UVB bulbs on the manufacturer's schedule even while they still emit visible light.
Humidity
Target 30–50% with a damp burrow area. Keep most substrate dry with one damp corner and a large water dish.
Substrate and depth
Sand and topsoil mix. Depth: 3–4 in for burrowing.
Enclosure tips and furnishing
- Large shallow water dish
- Burrow hides
- Flat rocks
Build list
- Digital hygrometer + thermometer — Read humidity and temperature instead of guessing.
- Water conditioner / RO water — Chlorine and chloramine burn permeable skin.
Colorado River toad FAQ
How big should an adult Colorado River toad enclosure be?
At least 36" L × 18" W × 16" H, and we recommend building to 48" L × 24" W × 18" H — about 4 × 2 × 1.5 ft, or a 90-gallon glass equivalent. Terrestrial — floor space first.
What temperatures does a Colorado River toad need?
Basking or warm surface Warm area around 85°F, warm side 80–85°F, cool side 72–78°F, night 68–72°F. Heat lamp or mat on a thermostat over one end.
Does a Colorado River toad need UVB?
Low to moderate UVB (5%) is beneficial. Photoperiod: 12–14 hours on.
What humidity does a Colorado River toad need?
30–50% with a damp burrow area. Keep most substrate dry with one damp corner and a large water dish.
What substrate is best for a Colorado River toad?
Sand and topsoil mix, at a depth of 3–4 in for burrowing.
How big does a Colorado River toad enclosure need to be for a hatchling?
Hatchling / baby: 20" L × 10" W × 12" H recommended, minimum 12" L × 8" W × 8" H. Scale up to the adult footprint as the animal grows.
Is there anything to be careful about when keeping a Colorado River toad?
Highly toxic: skin and parotoid secretions are potent and dangerous to pets and people. Always wear gloves and wash afterward. Possession is illegal or restricted in several states (including California) — check local laws.
Sources
Put this guide to work
Apply these targets to your own colorado river toad record, then log feedings, sheds and weights against them.