any problems with dry ice rat euthenization?

[devinrw]

is there any problem with using dry ice over co2 cartrige?

[Chuckels]

Nope. Just don't let them be able to get to the dry ice.

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[FireStorm]

As I understand it, it is more humane to put the rats in a tub and gradually increase the CO2 levels because sudden exposure to concentrated CO2 causes the eyes and mucous membranes to burn. So I would suggest putting rats in the container then adding dry ice. Personally, I found the paintball CO2 cartridges to be cheaper and more convenient, just because they have an on/off valve so you use less CO2...

[wolfy-hound]

I just used dry ice today.

How I did it...

PLEASE be careful with dry ice as you can "burn" your skin if you come into direct contact with it. Do NOT breathe the gases, and if you "play" with it, blowing it around, be careful where you inhale.

I used a ten gallon tank, with a layer of aspen. I took a large plastic bowl and put several pieces of dry ice into it, then slid the entire bowl carefully into a heavy plastic bag(with some holes already in it). I then poked more holes in top and carefully pushed the plastic down so there were places to pour water into the dips where it would run through the holes into the bowl. I placed the bowl into the tank at one end.

I put all the asf into the tank. At this point there was little out-gassing happening from the CO2 and the tank was not cold. The asf seemed to slow down almost immediately though, sitting in place. None of them showed any distress at all, no noises, no pawing at faces, etc. They did not fall over, but seemed content to sit around, instead of running to find hiding spots.

Once all the asf were in the tank, I poured some water on the plastic wrapped bowl, and the out-gassing began quickly, filling the tank up. The asf still showed no distress but began to lie down. They were laying in normal resting positions, no kicking, no thrashing, nothing.

I put "press and seal" on top of the tank. In retrospect, I do not think this is needed, as the CO2 falls to the bottom of a container... it does not float out. The asf were all unmoving, dead to all appearances within a moment or two of the major out-gassing beginning, when the gas filled the tank. I left them in there for about ten minutes though, while I did something else.

CHecking on the tank, all the asf were dead... in place laying naturally, looking relaxed and calm. None looked as it they struggled or tried to escape. They laid down and died. Most of them still had open eyes, which I would ASSUME would mean there was no eye pain, since I would ASSUME they would close their eyes or squint if it was hurting them. I believe they were unconscious before they even knew anything was wrong.

It worked excellently, I felt it was the most humane death possible, it was fast and easy, it leaves clean intact rodents for feeding and also had the added benefit of leaving me with 4 lbs of dry ice to play with.

However, I think I would prefer the convenience of using a tank of co2... I'm having major issues finding a place close by to get the tank and valve, etc though. Having to buy the dry ice, transport it home, handle it with care... it could be a hassle, compared to just turning the knob on a tank.

[AK907]

^Have you tried a paintball shop? They will likely have what you need or can at least tell ya who will. You can always order online too.