Animal-friendly hobby gardeners will not abandon a common toad when looking for a home. A safe winter quarters is ready for occupancy in just a few simple steps. Here's what you can do to ensure that toads hibernate safely in the garden.
At the end of February, common toads wake up from their hibernation
How does a common toad hibernate?
At the beginning of October, an exciting year comes to an end for the common toad (Bufo bufo). The amphibian heroically mastered a variety of dangers, escaped grinding car tires and hungry predators. Time is pressing, because safe winter quarters must be found before the first frost. This is how a common toad hibernates:
- When?: from late autumn to early spring (February/March)
- How?: hibernating, completely motionless and not eating
- Where?: in frost-free areas down to a depth of 80 cm
Falling temperatures put common toads under pressure. The animals belong to the cold-blooded amphibians. In contrast to animal species that are equally warm, such as dormice or marmots, toads do not hibernate, but rather become rigid. No common toad can escape this process. If the thermometer falls in the direction of freezing, the hibernation sets in - whether a place to hibernate has been found or not.
Which garden elements help common toads to hibernate?
Hobby gardeners can do a lot for a toad in need of housing. As suitable winter quarters, the focus is primarily on these four garden elements, which are quickly created in a natural garden:
- burrows: In wind-protected corners of the garden, dig frost-proof burrows up to a depth of 80 cm
- compost heap: Make compost, do not move from September, cover with compost fleece in winter
- leave the leaves behind: Stack autumn leaves in piles and cover with needle sticks
- deadwood hedge: Create a deadwood hedge from clippings from trees and shrubs
Word quickly gets around among toads that great winter quarters can be found. A pleasant side effect for the natural hobby gardener: in the spring, an army of starving pesticides hops through the garden. Maggots, spiders and snails are high on a toad's menu.
tips
The consistent avoidance of pesticides and mineral fertilizers makes the garden a haven for many animals in need. Nettle manure is a prime example. Diluted with rainwater, a nettle decoction combats numerous diseases and pests. Is it any wonder that flocks of native animals, fluttering butterflies and colorful beetles gather in this garden paradise?