I have had to "smack" one rat, I didn't have CO2. If you MUST do it use a pillow case get three good loops and slam him into something hard, concrete or a thick table and do it a few times it is messy but the first hit either kills them or makes them unconscious and the subsequent hits make sure they wont come back to, in pain. It is barbaric to smash them but sometimes its the only way. I won't lie it upset me for a while having to do that but it makes sure the unfortunate deed is done, and I won't do it again. I will take the time to get a CO2 chamber set up.
Now if you want to do it humanely and cheap go get some dry ice and a small mouse cage (like a transport cage maybe 4x3x6) and put some dry ice in there with a bit of water to get it going, be careful as there is a chemical reaction and can cause bodily injury. Step two is to put the mouse/rat in a larger lunch box with the dry ice container, wait a few minutes and you will have a deceased rat. You want to make sure the rat cannot get to the dry ice as this will cause a burn and pain, and make sure you give the rat plenty of time to asphyxiate as it wouldn't be pleasant for the rat to just be unconscious, when they come to they will be in a lot of pain so keep that from happening.
I hope this helps, and remember they wont starve in the tub they will eat something (that something IS your snake)
Mike
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