DIY Rat Slayer for under $50 *DUW*

Rat Slayer for under $50
Parts:
20oz CO2 Tank + first fill $24.00
GT Paintball remote line $14.49 + $3.99 shipping (eBay)
Silicone Caulk $1.47
Rubbermaid 1.1 gal tub $2.50
Air line $1.99
Total: $48.44


I picked up a 20 ounce paintball co2 tank at my local welding shop the price included the first fill. If your local shop don’t carry or fill co2 tanks most Dunhams sporting goods stores carry them and will fill them but they do run a few dollars more.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psd1a61175.jpg

The GT paintball remote line was purchased from eBay and took 2 days to get via usps.
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The remote line comes in two pieces. The end that threads onto the bottle and the quick connect end.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5e2dad47.jpg
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psef41c84e.jpg

The quick connect is actually 2 pieces. I separated them and only used the small quick connect end. The less connections the few places to leak and also a smaller hole needed in the lid.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psadba1663.jpg

The silicone caulk and Rubbermaid tub were both purchased at my local Walmart. The air line can also be purchased there also in the fish section of the pet department. I used the black water line that I had left over from my rat racks water system. The tub holds 10-12 medium rats or 15-18 smalls.
I used a sharpie to outline the parts on the lid of the tub. I then used my soldering iron to melt the holes. Make sure to dry fit everything before you put the caulk on the parts.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4d298baf.jpg
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I put the caulking on the fittings and the pushed them into the holes that I had made with the soldering iron. I allowed them to cure for 24 hours before using.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2279884e.jpg
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...ps05f84a2b.jpg
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I used a glass of water to make sure I didn’t suffocate myself. The final product should look like this:
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psad9d9b65.jpg

So for the test run: Make sure to open the valve very slow or the tub will over pressurize and pop the lid off. I ran the gas for 30 seconds and it was lights out for the rats before the time was up. I then waited one minute before taking the lid off.
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5f82bf75.jpg

The only down side that I found with this set up is that I have to hold down on the lid while I pump the co2 in. I figured a food storage container would seal air tight but guess I was wrong. I may make a gasket to try next time. But more than likely I will just find a better tub to use.

All packed up and ready for storage:
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psebc26e52.jpg
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/...psc09a373b.jpg

Thanks for looking and if you have any questions or if I forgot anything feel free to pm me with any questions and I will be happy to answer them.

probably a stupid question, but what does the air line going into the glass of water do?

not a stupid question at all creepin'. I purchased the container as a food storage container I was under the impression that it would be air tight. So I put the line in as a vent for the co2 to push the oxygen out of the container. I put the end of the hose in water so if I over flooded the container with co2 It would oxygenate in the water and I wouldnt be breathing in the co2 myself as I was doing all of this in my rat room which is only 5' x 10'.

Yeah, wish I had the time to ebay that hose. I think I paid close to $30 or $40 for it at Academy Sports:(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by creepin

probably a stupid question, but what does the air line going into the glass of water do?

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I was just going to ask that. :D

The setup is correct, however there is a bit of an issue for me.

The chamber is too small. What this means is the CO2 fills too quickly. The CO2 is used as humane because in light amounts it has an anesthetizing affect. You want the gas to trickle in slowly because they will pass out from lack of oxygen gently before they actually die from suffocation in their sleep.

Direct inhalation of CO2 is very unpleasant. Suffocation is very unpleasant. With a chamber that size, you've subjected the animals to both of those - rendering the method 'inhumane'. You'll be able to see them panic and then gasp as they die. That's your cue that the gas is coming in too slowly. You want them to pass out around 1 - 2 minutes into the process - that's how you'll know it's flooding the chamber at the right rate.

Otherwise - loooks great! I have the same remote line and CO2 tanks myself. I know a bigger chamber will cost more CO2 per kill, but to me it's worth it to make sure the rats die with as little distress and discomfort as possible. Once you start raising up more rats and spending more time with them you'll really grow fond of them. It's impossible not to if you're human.