After a hot and dry spell we have had rain for the last few days. There is nothing like the rain to bring our resident toad out onto the path.
Last night I went out just before dusk to put the chooks to bed and our toad was out on the path once more.
Look at how well camouflaged our toad is on the path
Close up of our toad
Toad climbs over the strip of wood and disappears into the garden once more
He never seems to be in a hurry and just casually makes his way back into the undergrowth. I always feel quite privileged to see him.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
I LOVE him. I want him in my garden. I’m pretty sure we have a few toad out there but I so rarely see them.
I saw him again last night in the same spot. It must be his territory. I stroked him to see what he felt like. He is rough and bumpy. He didn’t seem bothered and slowly moved away as usual. The rain must be bringing him out in search of goodies.
Yes, they love it when it’s wet out. They love slugs and spiders. And they love it when you tickle them. Try stroking him on his side and he’ll lean into that side. They are wonderful creatures.
It is odd because I stroked him and he made no attempt to move away, it did seem like he liked it or at least wasn’t at all bothered by it. I have become quite fond of him, I must admit.
Tonight it was raining again so I looked for him on my way up to the chooks but he wasn’t there. Then on my way back I spotted him. I tried stroking his side as you suggested and I feel sure he liked it. He let me stroke him then eventually went casually on his way as usual. I feel sure that he knows I mean him no harm and he really does seem to be okay with me interacting with him. It is an unexpected joy. I am loving this bit of closeness with a creature that I would never have expected to feel a bit of a bond with.
What do toads eat ? I can see you now putting out his little bowl of treats and putting him in the cat box when he is poorly. … Putting him in the undergrowth when he wont go in ? 🙂
You mentioned he was dry. I know when I first touched one I thought it would be wet and sort of slimy . I was so surprised that it was so different to what I expected .
Last year on the path I saw him eating a worm so I know he eats worms. I think probably slugs, snails, flies and anything meaty I guess.
You are right that he felt dry, quite nice actually and sort of soft too. Yes, another critter for me to look after. I did feel that he has got used to me and didn’t seem afraid but maybe that’s just how they are.
Wouldnt the girls pick on the toad if it got inside? Or is it just boring to them? This kinda reminds me of having this green frog that kept going into my pool. One time, it was in there when we went swimming and it got stuck on somebody’s suit or in their hair! ?
Our toad is way to big too get into the chicken run. He is the size of my hand. He is quite a monster really. I think the girls would probably be more scared of him. We have been here eight years and have seen him every summer and each time he is a bit bigger. He was probably frog sized when we first saw him and is probably as big as a toad gets now.
Oh wow! I’d be scared too if I was a hen. 😉
Somehow he isn’t scary. I have become fond of him. I don’t think the girls have even noticed him.
They probably think he’s like some mud or something. I think it’s pretty cool seeing them around the yard.
Also, a little sadness here. One of my chicks was presumably killed today. I’m so sad right now, but immediatly thought of you and sparkle. 🙁
Oh, I am so sorry. It’s so upsetting when we lose them. I am really appreciating the girls I have left after losing two close together. I look at the flock and think how lovely they are and all getting on so well. It is sad but I have decided to keep the flock as they are for a year before thinking of adding any more. I am thinking of you.