Keeping leeches

[moderation]

Is there anything that I can do to keep my leeches big and lively for a couple of weeks? I have them in the frig. but kind of wonder if there is something I could put in to feed them to keep them that way.

[Borch]

Keep them in the frig in the back where its coldest and change water every few days.  They will stay lively for weeks.

[Pat K]

Feeding them only pollutes the water and they die sooner. Just refrigerate and change water like Borch said.

[Hoey]

I have not used this stuff, but it would probably work.

Frabill® 1061 Fat N Sassy Leech Bedding

Anyone have any experience with this?

A built-in food source provides the nutrients needed to stay alive and grow, and a special absorbent helps take care of natural waste to control the odor!

[Wanderer]

11 hours ago, Hoey said:

I have not used this stuff, but it would probably work.

Frabill® 1061 Fat N Sassy Leech Bedding

Anyone have any experience with this?

A built-in food source provides the nutrients needed to stay alive and grow, and a special absorbent helps take care of natural waste to control the odor!

I’ve considered going that route.  I’ve purchased leeches packed in bedding and preferred them that way over water.  I think it would work well.

What I did change to was using my 13 qt Engel cooler to keep my half pound of leeches in.  It keeps them cool all day in the boat from just being in the fridge.  I’m finding I can easily go a week without changing the water if they’re just stored.  I changed it once after using them.  The water is still crystal clear and there has been zero dead loss.  It’s like they’re back in hibernation mode.

[leech~~]

Keeping Leeches lively for weeks.

Usually after hitting the water for a few hours a nice rack of ribs on the grill and may be a small rum and coke on the deck watching the sunset works great for keeping me lively, until the next weekend at least!

[Wanderer]

On 6/13/2018 at 10:43 PM, Wanderer said:

What I did change to was using my 13 qt Engel cooler to keep my half pound of leeches in.  It keeps them cool all day in the boat from just being in the fridge.  I’m finding I can easily go a week without changing the water if they’re just stored.  I changed it once after using them.  The water is still crystal clear and there has been zero dead loss.  It’s like they’re back in hibernation mode.

Yep, they’re hibernating.  Went a couple weeks without checking them, crossed my fingers when I opened the cooler and found them in the same condition.  Clear water, slow moving, maybe 1 dead.  Still only 1 water change right after Memorial weekend.

Hope to start using them up soon though!!!

[moderation]

used leeches this last week. 2-21/2 wks. changed water a few times. They were the same as when I bought them. Wife used them and did better than the minnows I used. Life's good when they out fish you.

[Robert Eddington]

On 6/12/2018 at 3:29 AM, moderation said:

Is there anything that I can do to keep my leeches big and lively for a couple of weeks? I have them in the frig. but kind of wonder if there is something I could put in to feed them to keep them that way.

I put in couple golf ball sized hambuger balls in so they can eat . And change the water every three days.

[side_laker]

I picked up a pound of leeches July 20th. Been just changing the water and keeping them in fridge I still have a dozen or so left and are as alive as the day I picked them up 

[Mike89]

22 hours ago, Robert Eddington said:

I put in couple golf ball sized hambuger balls in so they can eat . And change the water every three days.

a chunk of liver does the trick too..  some trappers use livers....

[roony]

I find that beer works well, anytime I buy a case of beer the leeches in my neighborhood come to life.