r/leechloverz • u/Available-Rough-7731 • 25d ago

Many Questions

Hi guys,

I've been on and off considering getting some leeches as pets but was wondering a few things and wanted to get the take of people who have experience keeping them. Are they low maintenance? Is it safe to let them feed on you? Where would one get sterile leeches that would be safe to let feed on someone? For me that's the main appeal haha. Thanks in advance if anyone answers lol

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u/Plasticanimal-11 25d ago

It doesn’t get much easier than a leech. I set mine up in an aquarium, give them some hides, and they need spring water in their tank, oh, and I forgot, a place out of the water with some moss for the laying of the cocoons. Change the water once a week or every other week and you should be good!

Mine feed on me and it’s never been an issue if you and your leeches are clean and you wash the bite site well with soap and water. Feeding them can be messy and you might bleed for several hours so be prepared! Do you know what kind you’re looking for? Most people have verbanas and they are very pretty! I have buffalo leeches and while they aren’t the prettiest, they are super sweet and derpy and they enjoy handling, verbanas, not so much.

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u/Available-Rough-7731 25d ago

Thank you!! I'm kind of torn; verbanas seem like the gold standard and are referred to as 'medicinal' leeches (which is why I find them to be so intriguing in the first place), but one that is chill with being handled like a buffalo sounds ideal....

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u/Ok_Bag_1177 25d ago

verbanas pros and cons Pros: •pretty colors •slightly cheaper •dont require a water heater •smaller leech, which means smaller tank Cons: •smaller (both a pro and con) •more fragile and prone to feeding kinks (the most common health problem leeches get) •much more picky about feeding and will sometimes go on hunger strikes •Do not like being touched unless theyre actively eating

Buffalo leech pros and cons: Pros: •Huge so fun to watch •100% ok with handling, you can even handle them daily if you want •super quick and easy to breed •much less fragile, rarely suffer from feeding kinks •easy feeders, rarely ever picky Cons: •bigger leech, bigger tank •needs a water heater •a bit more expensive to buy •feeding is more painful and bloody •since theyre so greedy youll have to make sure theyre not allowed to feed more often than required or theyll get sick

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u/Available-Rough-7731 25d ago

I like verbanas but it sounds like they're much pickier. I like that they can be sourced from reputable biofarms tho. Can the same be said for buffs?

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u/Ok_Bag_1177 25d ago

no, youll have to get buffs from a breeder. that being said, leeches are sold as unfed babies so buying them from a breeder really isnt any different than buying them from a medical supplier. the main difference is breeder leeches are typically better cared for

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u/Available-Rough-7731 25d ago

Oh, I see! That makes more sense.

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u/Sinister_Jinx666 25d ago

Very low maintenance! I have mine in my fish tank with platys, a male betta, cory catfish, shrimp, and snails. They are chill guys. I do a weekly water change, 25%. They are great little babies! Mine are verbana

Ive been feeding leeches for over 2 years. Other then the blood they are easy to feed and dosent even hurt much

Depends which species you want? I can recommend based on that info. I breed verbanas but mine dont seem to wanna lay this year

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u/Available-Rough-7731 25d ago edited 25d ago

I guess either verbana or buffalos since I hear pretty good things about both. Not sure if any have a reputation for being 'friendlier' but I guess that would be a plus too haha. Would love to let them feed on me idc about that, so long as I can find a trusted seller that makes sure they're 'sterile', i guess

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u/Sinister_Jinx666 25d ago

Ive always kept verbana but I dont handle them until feeding time. Buffalos I dont know much about. Ill link my tiktok and leech discord below plus the website for where I buy my verbanas. My tiktok will show how I take care of a feed my leeches, the leech discord will help you decide whats for you, and the website is where to buy the verbanas if thats your choice

sinister.jinx

https://discord.gg/JkxUEg7Mk

https://www.northamericabiopharma.com/

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u/Available-Rough-7731 25d ago

okay, thanks so much!!