Thursday, April 26, 2007

Horney Toad...ewwww!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Won't be long and Fischer will be catching his own horney toads. Did you know that they have their babies alive? My kids might be some of the most expereinced horney toad handlers in the country, as they used to catch them all the time around here. One day they had a big fat one they were playing with, and it had a baby right in Ty's hand. So, of course, they wondered if it would have any more babies? After being squeezed like a tooth paste tube, I think it did have another one or two. As to how the babies did after being delivered by such a skilled obstetrition and nursing attendents, I don't remember. So, if anyone tries to tell you they hatch out of eggs, don't believe them! We have lots of other funny horney toad stories around here. My rule was they had to release them all outside at the end of the day, so they wouldn't die. One day the kids were all gone to school and as I was walking past Ty's bedroom I heard a funny scratching noise. His waste basket was up on his bed with a covering it, and the scratching was coming from inside it. With trepidation,wondering what I would find, I peered inside to discover a couple horney toads wondering what they had done to deserve such treatment and looking for a way out. I helped them find it...dumping them outside. Another time I noticed Ty's lunch box setting outside in the shade - thinking he had carelessly dropped it there and forgot it, I whipped it inside and opened it to empty out the usual bread crusts and plastic wrappers - only to find several horney toads panting for air. (I think my three severely depleted the HT population, as we don't see near as many any more - however we aren't out looking for them like they used to either.) We had little lizzards too, but they were lots harder to catch as they are so fast. If they caught a lizzard by the tail, the lizzard would somehow release it's tail and escape, and the tail would be left in their hand, still twitching. Small reptiles in this little corner of Wyoming probably should be on the endangered spieces list due to the Frohbieter kids growing up years! Love, Karen

Jocelyn said...

I love the video! So cute. We used to have such a good time with them out at Trails West. Apparently they can shoot blood out of their eyes? They never did it to us, eventhough we waited with great anticipation!

Darla said...

Michael said I had better become well acquainted with these things. Hmmm...I am not so sure about this idea. I have lived here in WY since 2000 and haven't seen one yet. Am I lucky or deprived?

Kate said...

How fun to hear everyones stories about horney toads! :)
Also Darla, they really aren't that bad...except when they are zipping around under your dishwasher. That is what happened after Fischer body slammed it for the third time. Luckily, Dad found him and promptly put him outside under our deck so the dogs wouldn't hurt him. :) They are actually neat looking...however I did not hold it either! I have a feeling I would make the same faces that Fish did.

Anonymous said...

I remember playing with horney toads when we were kids too. We'd try to hypnotize them by laying them on their backs and going around and around them with our fingers drawing a circle. I don't remembered exactly what happened, seems they layed there a bit then took off running. I wouldn't touch one today if I had to, that kind of thing makes me jumpy! (along with snakes, mice etc.) :) Cute video. It's so fun to see kids discover new things!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a wonderful daddy. You both are so lucky.

Michelle said...

Kate, after being gone a week, it is great fun to catch up on all the new posts. I was also going to warn you that you better start looking at a certain jokey kind of guy in my twin sister's house for some of the anonymous comments you've been getting - like the eating mice one. :)

grmasusie said...

We found that the owl eating mice comment came from KCity. You NEVER know what these guys will come up with!

Anonymous said...

Well, I'm glad the source of one of the funniest blog comments ever has been traced down! :) I also got a very big kick out of Karen's confessions about why the horny toads are now an endangered species in that part of the state. :) Kate, this video is SO cute! Even when Fish thought it would be great to toss the toad on the floor!:)

Anonymous said...

This was extraordinary...yes horny toads are endangered, so treat them gently...gosh how I love to see these lovely little clips...they are priceless to me, a real godsend for family far away. Meagan, Emily, Dad and i got to enjoy it all at the same time. We love you, Gma Terry