Q&A for How to Keep Leeches As Pets

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I found some leaches today in a dried up creek bed. I didn't use them all while fishing. Could I keep these guys alive overnight in a small container with water mixed with creek sediment?

Community Answer

Yes. But make sure your water is not really dirty.

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Question

How do I identify a type of leech?

Community Answer

Identify the coloration, size, and pattern of the leech. Enter it's characteristics into Google and compare different pictures to identify the leech.

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Question

My leech is not eating any worms, though it's a species that is supposed to eat worms. What do I do?

Community Answer

This behavior might mean that your leech is sick. Try to feed your leech a different brand of worms. If your leech begins to eat again, problem solved! If that doesn't work, your leech may be sick, and in that case the best option is usually to wait it out.

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Question

Can leeches live in oil?

Community Answer

No, that might kill them. Always keep them in fresh water. That is how they should live.

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Question

Is it possible to feed a leech using my own blood?

Community Answer

Yes, it's possible.

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Are there benefits to feeding the leech my own blood?

Community Answer

No. They will make you bleed more than you think.

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Question

Can I hold a leech successfully without it drinking my blood?

Community Answer

You could try, but it will probably find a way to drink your blood.

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Question

Is it safe to feed a leech with my own blood?

Community Answer

It isn't advisable, as even captively raised leeches can carry blood borne diseases.

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Question

How long can a leech safely stay out of the water?

Community Answer

Forever, as long as they are moist and don't shrivel up. You can keep leeches in an aquarium with just wet newspaper.

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Question

How do I identify a leech?

Community Answer

Look at the markings and size, then reference online.

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Question

What time of day should I feed my leeches?

Community Answer

Anytime is fine, but make sure to feed them only once a week, as any more could make them sick.

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Question

Can leeches live with other fish?

Community Answer

Only if the leech is in a leech bed. Letting leeches roam with fish will blind the fish; leeches can't attach to scales, so they will attach to a fish's eyes. The best is to keep leeches with other leeches.

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Question

Why do I not feed leeches in the winter time?

Community Answer

Leech species can keep for 1 year without feeding. Keep your fed leeches away from the hungry ones though, as they will prey on each other.

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Question

Will they reproduce on their own? How long should it take?

Community Answer

It is rare for leeches to reproduce in captivity. But they do lay eggs in moist soil and eggs take 2-3 weeks to hatch.

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Question

Can I put a filter in the water when keeping leeches as pets?

Community Answer

As long as the filter isn't too strong and can't suck the leech into the filter, injuring or possibly killing the leech, then you can put in a filter. Use a filter that intakes from the bottom under your aquarium substrate and pours up top.

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Question

What can happen if the leeches bite me?

Community Answer

Leech bites are not dangerous or painful, just annoying. Unlike some other creatures that bite, leeches don't cause stinging, carry diseases or leave a poisonous stinger in the wound. The bite doesn't hurt since leeches release an anaesthetic when they bite, but due to the anticoagulant, the wounds bleed a fair bit.

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Question

Can leeches carry blood borne diseases?

Community Answer

Leeches can potentially spread disease. For example, if a leech has bacteria in its gut and it attaches to you and there's any regurgitation of blood from their gut onto your wound, that can transmit infection.

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Question

What type of worms can I keep as pets?

Community Answer

Earthworms are probably the best choice of worms to keep as a pet. They need a 1-gallon tank with soil.

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Question

How many leeches should be kept per gallon?

Community Answer

You should only keep 3 leeches per gallon. Any more and they will attack each other.

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Question

Can I feed leeches with chicken or beef blood warmed up in a baggie for them to suck on?

Community Answer

Absolutely, but ensure that the blood is of human consumption quality, is kept frozen until use and when thawed, is kept just above human body temperature. I’ve had success with non-Vinyl gloves and pork blood.

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Question

Do leeches need filters?

Community Answer

No, leeches don’t require any filters. If you were to put one in, the leech could get stuck and injured. It’s safest just to do a partial water change every 3 - 7 days.

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Question

Do I need filters for my pet leeches?

Community Answer

Leeches do not require any aquarium pumps or filters and eat rarely, which makes them perfect low-maintenance pets.

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Question

Do the leeches need air?

Community Answer

Allow for an air space in the container, as the leeches are air breathers, but can breathe in water as well, and like to attach themselves to the sides of the container out of the water. Lights are not required as leeches are nocturnal.

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Question

How do I know if my leech is eating?

Community Answer

Check to see if the leech has swollen up after a bit-- they tend to look bigger when filled with blood.

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Question

How much blood does my leech need to drink every day?

Community Answer

Your leech does NOT need to drink blood. It can eat earthworms, pond snails, and other things. It will be a lot easier to just feed it the recommended food in the article.

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