How to Keep a Horned Toad as a Pet

Horned toads, also known as horned lizards, are fascinating reptiles that can make great pets for experienced reptile keepers. With proper care and attention, these unique creatures can thrive in captivity for many years.

Enclosure

Horned toads require a spacious enclosure that is at least 20 gallons in size. The enclosure should be made of glass or plastic and have a secure lid to prevent escapes. The enclosure should also be well-ventilated and have a variety of hiding places, such as rocks, logs, and plants.

Substrate

The substrate in the horned toad's enclosure should be a mix of sand and gravel. The substrate should be kept dry and free of debris. Newspaper or reptile carpet can also be used as a substrate, but it should be changed regularly to keep it clean.

Temperature and Humidity

Horned toads are cold-blooded reptiles, so they need a warm environment to thrive. The temperature in the enclosure should be between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. A basking spot should also be provided, where the temperature can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The enclosure should also have a cooler area where the horned toad can retreat to if it needs to cool down.

The humidity in the enclosure should be between 30 and 40 percent. This can be achieved by misting the enclosure with water once or twice a day.

Diet

Horned toads are insectivores, so their diet should consist of a variety of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. The insects should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement before being fed to the horned toad.

Horned toads should be fed every other day. The amount of food that should be offered depends on the size of the horned toad. A good rule of thumb is to offer the horned toad as much food as it can eat in 10 minutes.

Water

Horned toads need access to fresh water at all times. The water should be changed daily to keep it clean. A shallow dish of water is best, as horned toads can drown in deep water.

Handling

Horned toads are shy and easily stressed, so they should be handled with care. When handling a horned toad, support its body with one hand and gently grasp its tail with the other hand. Never pick up a horned toad by its tail, as this can injure the reptile.

Health Care

Horned toads are generally healthy animals, but they can be susceptible to a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, eye infections, and skin infections. It is important to take your horned toad to a veterinarian for regular checkups to ensure that it is healthy.