Euthanization Methods - Which do YOU think is right?

[alittleFREE]

I have to say that I would probably take it to the vet. I simply don't do well with death and I could never see myself having a hand in the death, even if it was to end it's suffering. Maybe that makes me a weak person - I don't know. But I would take it to the vet and have them euthanize it.

[Mike Schultz]

The most common method of euthanasia I have found is to sell my snake to somebody at a snake show.

[Paysons Bps]

I dont think its ever right to kill your own snake I would take it to the vet for proper and painless death.

-Payson!

[CA cowgirl]

Snakes, reptiles in general are similar to fish - at least in my mind. Fish and reptiles are ectotherms. The video of the detached rattlesnake head on page one demonstrates what I have seen with sharks that have had their head removed. They still continue to "live" / move for several minutes. I wouldn't want to see that as I believe the animal suffers.

I would talk to my vet and ask for an injectable prescription to euthanize it at home. If he would have seen the animal previously/recently to treat it for what was ailing it, I might have a chance at getting the prescription without a vet visit, and just pay the cost of meds.

[wolfy-hound]

Any vet that sent home euthanasia drugs for home use by an owner would have his license pulled. That stuff isn't asprin.

[WingedWolfPsion]

Bludgeoning. Most methods simply aren't humane. Instantly destroying the brain is completely humane.
I don't trust chemical euthanasia, because I honestly don't believe that it has been well-researched in reptiles.
Pithing involves pain up until it's completed, not to mention the fact that a snake's brain is extremely tiny, and it would take a lot of experience to hit it on the first try.

Done properly, bludgeoning is completely painless, and the animal doesn't even have time to experience anxiety. It's hard on the human, but that really isn't the point, is it?

A snake's head is a pretty small target--if you miss, you generally miss entirely. It's hard to hit a snake in the head very hard, and miss its brain.

I believe 100% that this is the most humane method to use on reptiles. Vets don't use it because they aren't allowed to euthanize someone's pet by smashing it over the head. What vets use isn't always about what's best for the animal.

[blackcrystal22]

People need to realize that injections for reptiles are completely separate from injections for mammals. They have a much slower metabolism, so injected euthanasia will often cause severe pain.

[blackcrystal22]

I chose Other as well.

The A.V.A. states many methods are inhumane.

For instance freezing reptiles does not kill them quickly nor in a painless way. It mostly causes painfull exploding of the cells as the animal recieves frostbite before death occures.

Severing the head is considered inhumane but I would second this method over others as yes the brain is still intact but there is no connection to the nerves. Does the brain still feel pain? Who really knows.

Smashing seems evil to me for some reason, like a upset child stomping on something is what I picture.

Euthanasea is optional and still cost money but for the average person this is probably best.

As for myself I have practiced the method of Co2 for a few years and it works great when needed. I have used this method with many bearded dragons as well as other reptiles.

I simply constructed a 5 gallon bucket with clamps to hold lid on while pressure leaks out the sides. Cut a circle out of the lid using a hole saw and then caulked a Co2 line to the lid. I then hook the line to my tank and regulator and release the gas slowly. Just like many have done for there Feeders...Co2 works mostly by displacing oxygen meaning it will even remove all oxygen even from the lungs, brain and blood stream and results in a painless state of eternal sleep.

Many cases have been reported of humans becoming unconsious from Co2 exposure at higher PPM levels never knowing they had inhaled the substance.

No offense, but that is terrible.
CO2 is NOT an option for reptiles. Similar to the injection, the slow metabolism prevents them from dying at the same rate as mammals. You cannot compare mammals and people to reptiles. Reptiles do not need nearly as much oxygen, and therefore would feel the suffocation very slowly and painfully.

If anything is inhumane, that is it.

[MarkS]

I like to attack them with a knife while screaming 'You never loved me anyway, I hate you I hate you I hate you'.... It's very cathartic.

[Tochigi_R]

Wow, this is really hard for me to read.

I hardly ever think twice about killing a rat or a mouse to feed my animals, but if it ever came down to killing one of my snakes I don't think I would be able to do it. That being said, I think (as hard as it is to even imagine doing something like this.. it makes my toes curl just thinking about it) crushing the head would probably be the fastest. As long as there's someone else to do it. I'd probably miss and make things worse anyways, my eyes would be too teary.