Do Toads Sleep? Vet-Reviewed Behavior, Care Tips & FAQ
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If you’re considering a toad as a pet, you probably have several questions about the amazing amphibian. One of the most common we’ve heard is, “Do toads sleep?” The answer is that, yes, toads do sleep. Of course, these admittedly odd but interesting-looking animals sleep when they’re tired and do it in a most peculiar way.
Do you want to find out what’s peculiar about the way toads sleep and several other fascinating facts about them? If so, keep reading. We have valuable information and helpful tips on how to take care of your new pet below!
How Do Toads Sleep?
Most toads curl into a ball-like shape when they sleep, holding their body tightly with their short forearms. Their back legs are then tucked closely to the underside of their body.
Because of the danger of dehydration, the toads will look for a shaded spot to sleep and protect themselves from the sun’s rays. Most spots toads choose to sleep are damp and dark, so their skin stays hydrated. Under logs, piles of leaves, rocks, and other protected areas are their favorite.
It’s also worth noting that when toads sleep, they keep their chin and stomach as close to the ground as possible. Toads also cover their sensitive eyes with something called a nictitating membrane. This third eyelid allows them to protect their eyes but also react quickly to anything around them, including predators and prey.
How Many Hours of Sleep Do Toads Need Per Day?
You might be surprised to learn that the average toad needs between 12 and 15 hours of sleep every day, which is more than half the day! Toads may wake up frequently during their sleep periods.
They do this to relieve themselves, catch a bug that might have come near, and perform other vital tasks. Amazingly, the amount of sleep toads need equals nearly 50-60% of their lifespan!
How Can You Tell if a Toad Is Sleeping?
It can often be difficult to determine whether your toad is sleeping, hibernating, or possibly deceased. That’s because, when sleeping, toads look a lot like they are dead. Like most animals, toads stay still while they sleep to build up their energy reserves for the day’s tasks ahead.
When a toad sleeps, you’ll see that their third eyelid is closed, and they seem somewhat paralyzed or completely still. They also display slow and rhythmic movements due to their breathing, which might be difficult to detect because they’re so small. Interestingly, some toads make low, almost undetectable noises that are hard to hear while they sleep.
When Do Toads Sleep?
Although they might take a look around for a few minutes during the day, toads are nocturnal, which means they come out at night to hunt, eat, and mate. As nocturnal animals, toads spend most of the day sleeping. That’s when the temperatures are the warmest and most dangerous for a toad because they can dehydrate quickly.
Can Toads Sleep Underwater?
Unlike some species of frogs that brumate (and thus sleep) underwater for months, toads sleep on land. Yes, toads spend the first few weeks in the water as tadpoles, just like frogs, but once that period of their life has ended, they become land animals. In short, unlike some species of frogs, toads can’t sleep underwater indefinitely.
Do Toads Hibernate?
Although many believe toads hibernate, they brumate instead. Brumation is similar in some ways to hibernation, but there are some distinct differences, which include the following:
- Animals that brumate are typically cold-blooded, whereas animals that hibernate are usually warm-blooded.
- Animals that hibernate tend to fatten up before doing so, whereas animals that brumate don’t fatten up prior to brumation.
- Some animals that hibernate give birth while doing so (such as bears). Brumation is not associated with reproduction, though many species that brumate tend to breed afterwards (as spring arrives).
Toads brumate underground where the frost can’t reach them. Most seek out holes, make their own, or burrow under logs and into sandy soil. You’ll even find them under rocks and in dense leaf piles.
Sleep Care Tips for Your Toad
Please note that many states and jurisdictions may have legislation that prevents capturing or owning toads. Always make sure you have the permission to legally own an exotic pet before deciding to adopt one. Capturing wild animals is not advised, as this disrupts local ecosystems. Toads naturally produce toxins are not considered safe pets for children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, or immunocompromised individuals. They can also prove problematic for other pets, such as dogs and cats. In addition, amphibians may naturally harbor Salmonella and spread it to humans and other pets.
If you are in the US, please refer to state laws before deciding to adopt an exotic or wild pet. Elsewhere, please refer to relevant jurisdictions in your area.
Toads Need Just Enough Space
Toads aren’t very active amphibians, and most spend their days hiding or burrowed under whatever substrate you provide them. A 10-gallon fish tank would work for most toads kept as pets, but you need a larger tank if you have several toads.
Make Sure the Tank or Terrarium Is Well-Ventilated and Moist
If you use a fish tank to house your toad, remember that the top should be screened so it’s well-ventilated. You also need to keep the tank humid and not let it dry out since toads must always be moist.
Use the Proper Substrate
The correct substrate is important for your toad. They need to burrow into it if they want to so they can hide and, when required, brumate. A commercially available substrate designed specifically for toads is the best option.
Your Toad Needs a Place to Hide
In order to sleep well, your toad needs to feel safe and hide. That can be arranged with several items, including large pieces of bark from local trees, a small rock formation, or tree branches. If you have the space and the correct substrate, you can also put plants in your toad’s enclosure for them to hide under while they sleep.
It’s also worth noting that your toad may need a UVB light over their tank to stay healthy (depending on their species). This is another reason to give them a place to hide since a toad sometimes wants to escape the UVB light to cool off.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, toads sleep and need up to 12 hours a day to re energize their bodies. When toads sleep, they do it above ground and find a place to hide where they will be safe. They then curl up into a ball and pull in their legs for protection.
Because toads are nocturnal, they typically sleep during the day and forage for food at night. That’s why it’s best to give your toad a place to hide where they can escape the light during the day, especially any UVB lights you’ve placed over their tank or terrarium. If you give them the proper setup, your toad should sleep soundly during the day and be ready to get up and go at night!
Featured Image Credit By: Danny Ye, Shutterstock
