Non-Toxic Water gel for Leeches - Re-Usable. This hydro gel is specially formulated and designed for leech transportation and storage purposes. When you receive 50 grams of gel, this will turn into to a couple bucketfuls of plump and gelatinous hydrogel crystals, after the dry gel crystals have been dissolved fully in plain tap water. Leech gel is mainly a transportation and storage device. A couple of spoonfuls of hydrated gel are enough for every 3-4 leeches to be shipped over long distances or taken on long journeys to their leech therapy destination. Why is water gel the perfect medium for leech transport? The major advantage of this gel over any other is that it is Non-Toxic for the delicate and sensitive nature of the leech. When en-route, the leech endures a tremendous amount of stress due to being shaken around in its container full of water. Being so stressed-out the leech releases a toxic green substance as part of her excrement and to protect her body, being that it has been taken out of its natural peaceful and restful habitat. When a large concentration of this green substance is accumulated in its water, the leech starts to enter a toxic state and dies. When you begin utilizing Leech Water Gel to store and transport your leeches, this allows for the smooth journey of the leeches inside their transport container, without the tumultuous water-shaking and toxic release of excrement. Leeches arrive safe and sound at their destination without a "scratch". Although plain water is used for leech keeping and storage, we find some customers like to use this special water gel to store and maintain leeches in, as a matter of personal preference. Water gel can be washed periodically and re-used virtually forever. Leech Water Gel needs to be washed (along with the leeches in it) by placing it inside a large leech strainer and using a heavy stream of cold tap water to allow dirt and old leech skins seep through and get washed away.
UPON ARRIVAL: Immediately transfer your leeches out of the container with special gel and into a jar of cold water!
HOW TO GET THEM OUT: Pour out the gel with the leeches from the container. If the leeches are still inside, you may add a bit of cold water and swoosh everything around vigorously. If they are still stuck to the walls, you may try to use your fingers. Regular tweezers may harm the body of the leech, so they are not recommended for use - its best to purchase the recommended leech forceps used for easy removal and handling of the leech. In the absence of forceps, be sure to handle your leeches quickly, so they don’t start sucking blood from your fingers.
BEST CONTAINER TO USE: Keep your leeches in a large glass (or plastic) jar with a tight lid. The container needs to be filled about 1/3 full of ice-cold water. The lid needs to be closed and you may puncture needle-size holes in it. Alternatively, instead of a lid, you may cover your jar with cloth tied with an elastic band.
CARE: Change the leech-water at least once a week. Dump out old water by shaking it around vigorously first, with the lid on, until the leeches’ skins come off (they shed their skins about once a week). Skins appear as slimy whitish-clear particles, floating in the water. Carefully pour-out the old water with skins, taking care not to pour out any of the leeches, then, refill the jar again, close and shake. Repeat this process as many times as needed, until all the skins are completely gone and the water is perfectly clear. Fill the jar again with 1/3 cold water (its ok to use tap) and close the lid tightly.
Keep your jar with leeches in a cold, partly dark place, away from direct sunlight. During winter, they can be kept outdoors, partly-covering the jars with a towel, to protect from full sun-exposure. We do not advise you to feed your leeches during winter. Leech species can keep for 1 year without feeding. Keep your fed leeches apart from the hungry ones, as they will prey on each other. Be sure to purchase separate jars, to separate your fed and hungry leeches properly.
