Cervical Dislocation of Rats -
Do any of you use cervical dislocation of rats? It seems most gas but it seems this is an equally humane way of euthanizing rats prior to feeding.
I fed off two rats tonight and used this method for the first time using a screwdriver to hold the neck. It was somewhat distasteful but they seem to sort of turn off like a light switch.
I had one get bit last week and will likely use this method moving forward. Was wondering what the general consensus was on using this method and the ethics of using this as a method of euthanasia.
Re: Cervical Dislocation of Rats -
it's pretty much the quickest way to get it done. I've heard stories of people stripping the skin off the tail though (yes, just the skin! gross...), so just grab it close to the base! I don't see how it could be any less humane than CO2, it's just the more hands-on approach
Re: Cervical Dislocation of Rats -
When I was feeding rats out of my colony, I grabbed right above the rear legs (around the hips) instead of the tail. This is better for larger animals and you don't have to worry about stripping the flesh on their tails.