Pyxicephalus adspersus

[crayfishguy]

I have had too much time to think lately (sick) so i have been thinking about possible future pets... I have always been fascinated by these huge amphibians, and now that a friend of mine has one that he needs to rehome, I have been thinking about getting one. I just have a few questions:
1. feeding- how much would i need to feed an individual throughout its lifespan?
2. caging- would a 40 gallon work, or could i go smaller? i was thinking about 2" of eco earth, with a good sized water bowl for him to soak in
3. heating- w2ould putting an incandescent bulb over the tank do the trick to get it to about 80 degrees?

 

[Vicious_Fish]

I have had too much time to think lately (sick) so i have been thinking about possible future pets... I have always been fascinated by these huge amphibians, and now that a friend of mine has one that he needs to rehome, I have been thinking about getting one. I just have a few questions:
1. feeding- how much would i need to feed an individual throughout its lifespan?
2. caging- would a 40 gallon work, or could i go smaller? i was thinking about 2" of eco earth, with a good sized water bowl for him to soak in
3. heating- w2ould putting an incandescent bulb over the tank do the trick to get it to about 80 degrees?

1. Start breeding roaches. Seriously....these guys have a hefty appetite and you'll want to lighten the food bill if you can. F/T rats can be used once or twice a month too. They usually take about a week to digest a large meal like that.

2. These guys don't move a great deal BUT a tank that allows for a thermal gradient is important. A 40 gallon would work very well. I keep my Pyxie in a 40 gallon rubbermaid tub.

3. Because I used a rubbermaid tub I was able to cut a hole in the top for a lamp. I have a 75 watt bulb for heat. It gets the basking spot around 85 F. and an air temp of about 80 F. The cooler end is in the mid 70's. Make sure to have a tight lid that will keep the humidity in (no screen tops). Also, placing the heat lamp over the water dish will help create extra humidity.

 

[crayfishguy]

Thanks man, is there any way to know if im feeding it too much or too little?


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[crayfishguy]

Oh, and how would one make an alternative to a screen top on a 40 gallon aquarium?


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[Vicious_Fish]

Thanks man, is there any way to know if im feeding it too much or too little?


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Not that I've really noticed. When these guys wake from hibernation they will consume pretty much anything that moves and they don't seem to become full. My female will easily down 50 large crickets like they're nothing. As long as they're fed once or twice a week they'll do fine.

Oh, and how would one make an alternative to a screen top on a 40 gallon aquarium?


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Place a piece of plexi glass over top of the screen if you can or make a whole new top from a thick piece of plexiglass (thin pieces have a tendency to warp).

 

[crayfishguy]

Not that I've really noticed. When these guys wake from hibernation they will consume pretty much anything that moves and they don't seem to become full. My female will easily down 50 large crickets like they're nothing. As long as they're fed once or twice a week they'll do fine.






Place a piece of plexi glass over top of the screen if you can or make a whole new top from a thick piece of plexiglass (thin pieces have a tendency to warp).

thanks man, what are the humidity requirements for these guys? my house is usually 50-60%