I want to breed some rats and euthanize with CO2, but my step dad says hit the heads

Maybe it's just me and my technique but the bash the head method always results in bleeding from the nose. Can't deal with the mess. I just use CO2 now.

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

CO2 set ups are not expensive, I paid $20 for an aluminum 10lb tank, $3.50 for a tub, a few bucks for the quick connections.
http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/a...r/PICT6862.jpg

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Is that on a bed lmao?

Whacking or cervical dislocation is frightening to the animal even when done correctly because you are either restraining it tightly and/or whipping it through the air. Done incorrectly, it would be incredibly painful and terrifying.

CO2 (done correctly) knocks them out quickly and without them even realizing something is happening. I've even seen it done (by priming the chamber beforehand) where they are unconscious within a second or two. It's also a lot harder to do wrong.

The other thing about whacking is that it can get very messy. I'm no longer going to be buying from a local breeder I just recently got some rats from because there is always a bloody mess when I thaw, and he told me that's how he "euthanizes" (I put quotes around it because euthanize means PAINLESS death). It's really gross rinsing them off and it makes me not want to hold my snakes without giving them a bath first because any blood left is surely rubbing off on them! With CO2, you MIGHT have a slight amount come from the nose, but I found that if you put them in the fridge for a few hours first, then freeze them, you don't get the bloody nose.

But what about the connections. I have no idea what to use as a release valve and what kind of tubing? Also how would I get an airtight seal on the tub so that way my co2 wouldn't escape

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Is that on a bed lmao?

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Yes Mike, it was just assembled and clean still, lol. No rats had been in it or around it.
Besides the blanket thrown on the bed was a old one I didn't use anymore :P

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Originally Posted by californiakingsnake

But what about the connections. I have no idea what to use as a release valve and what kind of tubing? Also how would I get an airtight seal on the tub so that way my co2 wouldn't escape

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quick connect valves, air tubing like you'd use on an air compressor.
The tub needs a tiny hole to release air when the co2 enters.

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Originally Posted by Sita

Whacking or cervical dislocation is frightening to the animal even when done correctly because you are either restraining it tightly and/or whipping it through the air. Done incorrectly, it would be incredibly painful and terrifying.

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I wonder who you saw, using either method correctly, that led you to this conclusion. I have used both methods and I assure you the rodent has no time to be frightened, terrified or in pain. Til the moment of impact I'm just relocating them for a routine cleaning as far as they're concerned.

Some of them will bleed from the nose if you hit them in the head to kill them, and the mess this makes should not be understated--that may be your best argument for step dad. If he says you could do it over a plastic bag, the reflexive kicking some of them do will ensure that the mess goes everywhere.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

Maybe it's just me and my technique but the bash the head method always results in bleeding from the nose. Can't deal with the mess. I just use CO2 now.

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When you use this method toss your euthanized in a tub or bucket for a couple minutes, it doesn't take long at all for the blood to coagulate.

Well the OP mentioned getting rat blood all over the snake when the rodent was thawed later if it bled when killed.

They can bleed a amazing amount, even if they're basically brain dead already. But yes, it's basically instant when done right. If you're doing cervical dislocation, there's no real need to "restrain them tightly" for more than an instant. So it's a slight squeeze and snap. If whacking, you're not swinging the rat around in circles... it's a quick short swing and whack. Again.. it's an instant.

Some of these make me laugh. CO2 or cracking their melon are both fine with me. But a rat being terrified by getting whipped through the air has to be better than watching something crawl up to you, bite you, and then proceed to squeeze the life out of you. If it were me I would pick the rollercoaster ride.

If you want to use CO2 then do it. Your dad is not trying to stop you, he just suggested another way right?