Giant Toad
Toad eggs found in swimming pool that was filled with algae, can we keep them, how do we care for them?
We were draining our blow up pool and it began to rain. The pool was chlorinated and had algaecide in it. However, that was about 10 -14 days ago. It has rained and sat in the sun. It filled up with algae so we were draining it. It started to rain so we left it. It did not drain completely. Last night toads left many strings of eggs in it. I teach first grade and would like to keep some to show to my class. Do you think they are viable? Do you think the chemicals will affect them? There is no shade in our yard, do we need to shade them from the sun? We have been having temperatures over 95 degrees lately. Will this kill them? Any help would be appreciated.
when I was a kid I used to keep tadpoles in the garden until they became little frogs and hopped away. All it took was a tub full of water and occasionally some fishfood or similar.
I wouldn't worry to much about the algicide, as it obviously didn't work so it may have gotten too diluted by the rain.
You should provide some shade, however, so that the tadpoles won't get boiled if it gets too hot, if the water gets too hot it will kill them. Not only because of the temperature but also because hot water has a much capacity to dissolve oxygen than colder water.
Definintely leave some algae in there as long as they don't take over or start to decompose they will provide oxygen and also places for the tadpoles to hide and food for all kinds of really small critters the tadpoles will like to eat.
When the tadpoles start to get legs (front legs in addition to back legs) definitely provide some resting places outside of the water as eventually they will drown in water as they loose their gills.
Though for your first grade kids it will be more educational if you get an aquarium and set it up in your classroom and they can watch the process on a daily basis. Use rainwater or let chlorinated water stand for a day or two if you do that. If you type "how to raise tadpoles" into google you will find plenty of sites telling you all you need to know about the subject.
Related Reading:
How is my oriental fire bellied toad tank?
Alright, this will be my first time with these toads. There still aren't any (toads) in the tank, because I want the tank to be completely ready. The water is about 70 degrees F, so I was thinking about getting a submersible heater. Also, the moss will not stay wet, even if I spray it when I turn off the light, the moss is dry by morning. How does the tank look? I know the filter is pretty visible, and the right part of the water side is a little boring, so what should I put there? Any hardy live plants? Any suggestions for the tank are appreciated. Some tips on taking care of the toads would be great too. Any pictures of oriental fire bellied toad tanks for inspiration?
http://www.geocities.com/corinnebaileyraelistener/
I keep fire-bellied toads, and have a some-what similar set-up. You've done a real good job, looks fantastic. To make the water side more "interesting" You might try putting a larger rock that breaks the water surface over there to give the toads an island. I wouldn't worry about the moss too much, plenty of water available for the toads. If it is a concern to you, you can get a mister that can run off a timer, the only problem is that they are hard to hide. Looks like you have enough room to have a small group of them. You're on the right track, good luck/have fun with them.
This is one of my favorite herpatiles to care for. It is a Giant 







