Toad abode
Today I built a toad abode to attract toads to the backyard, following instructions I found on the National Wildlife Federation website.
I used a hammer to break apart a 10-inch terra cotta azalea pot that already had a crack in it. (But, of course, the pot doesn’t have to be cracked for you to take a hammer to it.) I stacked the fragments into the form of a house, using the largest pieces of the pot as the main walls.
I located the abode in our wettest, shadiest bed. I left the bottom of the abode open, so its tenants can burrow if they like, and I added leaf litter to the floor. The main entrance is just over three inches tall–plenty of room for the tallest of toads–and I provided several other points of entry/exit in case any of the residents need to leave quickly by alternate route (as in case of snake). The final amenity I added was a dipping pool, which I made by sinking an extra terra cotta saucer into the soil outside the abode.
Now that construction on the abode is complete, we’re just waiting for a toad to wake up from hibernation and find it. I can’t wait to see who takes up residence.
Posted in wildlife
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 pm CDT
Nice of you to think about emergency exits. Looks like this home will sell quickly
We’ll see. I’m willing to be patient–we’re still in a buyer’s market here in Austin, you know.
-Brianna
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm CDT
I like the ceramic toad outside the toad house, too. It’s like a billboard for toads: Toads welcome here! Adorable - I want one, too.
Cool! Please post photos when you set up your own.
-Brianna
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm CDT
You did a great job - I really like the look of this “toad abode” I’m always interested in what other people are doing as our family wants to make a frog/toad friendly area in our yard.
Thanks, Amy. Hope you enjoy setting up your own toad-friendly spot.
-Brianna
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm CDT
Neat idea. I never heard of doing this.
It’s simple to do; there’s plenty of information on making backyard toad habitat in the NWF article that I linked to. I was surprised to learn that you can even buy pre-fab resin toad houses at Target and retailers of similar ilk.
-Brianna
April 4th, 2008 at 12:58 pm CDT
I have several toad abodes in my own yard. Since I have a pond, they often come to visit. I wish everyone were more hospitable to nature. Good for you!
Brenda
With a soon-to-be toddler in the house, we won’t be installing a backyard pond any time soon, so that terra cotta saucer will have to serve as a poor substitute for the time being.
Enjoy your own amphibious guests!
-Brianna
April 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm CDT
Good for you, Brianna! One can never have too many toads. They’re so adorable!
I agree. Thanks for visiting, Ben.
-Brianna
April 5th, 2008 at 10:18 pm CDT
Hi Brianna! This is practically a toad condo — love it! A friend of mine who is a potter actually makes toad abodes. They’re neat little round houses with colorful glazes. They’re a little more expensive than smashing a terra cotta pot though (and no emergency exit!).
Hey, Anneliese! Thanks for stopping by. It was great to meet you at Spring Fling.
-Brianna