Toad help

j.kathrens · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 05:27 PM

Hi.
I moved into a new property in leytonstone east london recently and was happy as larry when i discovered that i had a pond. Over the past couple of weeks i noticed that i even had a frog. Then i had 2 frogs, then 3 and now 4! I didn't see any spawn though until the weekend just gone. However, after looking on the internet I was slightly surprised to learn that the spawn I have is actually toad spawn, ie long strings rather than a clump. Now, is this normal/ common? Do i have to do anything other than watch them get on with it? And what type of toad could they be? Any help for a toad novice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

yellowhammer · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 05:52 PM

Hi J, what you have will be common toads Bufo bufo. There are loads of pictures of them in the Gallery. As for what you should do with them, I say sit back, watch and enjoy!

Wild-Woman · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 06:19 PM

I'm delighted to hear about your toads. As YH has said-just enjoy these great little critters.

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 06:32 PM

That's great you have Toads they will eat all those nasty slugs. You may even get newts breeding in there. If you put a wood pile near the pond they will go there for shelter from the heat of the summer and hibernate there in winter.

j.kathrens · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 07:02 PM

Thanks W.W and Kayleigh. Coming from a council estate to a house that has a pond and now toads has been truely fantastic. I'm looking forward to a spring and summer where hopefully my small but perfectly formed garden will attract all sorts of little wildlife to keep my toads happy. I'll definatley be constructing a wood pile too.
Thanks.