Humane way to euthanize rats?

[wwmjkd]

I'm trying to let the snake kill and eat it, but thats not happened so far. I don't want to take care of rats-sorry, I just don't like them. So I wanted a good way of killing them that wouldn't make me feel sick...

I had done the bash them on the head method, but I hate doing it, 'cause I do agree that it is animal abuse... I dunno who gets it instantly, maybe I just can't swing that hard, but they always kick for a few minutes and it's pretty sad...

I would keep trying live if you can. since you only have one non-feeder for f/t it doesn't make sense to set up a co2 tank or run to the grocery store every week for dry ice. just stick with smaller, non-threatening meals if you can find a supply.

I will say that some snakes just change feeding behaviour. I have a tiny yellowbelly female who was feeding on live rat pups before she was shipped to me. I could not get her to eat for the life of me. I tried f/t, all assortments of live rats and mice, pre-killed...nothing. finally I had to resort to f/t adult mice, which she will only take if I physically drop it on her and close the tub for 15-20 minutes. every other snake from that same breeder took f/t rats within ten days, so it's just a craps shoot sometimes. be patient and try everything. also don't worry excessively. even when young, balls can go off feed without many issues. my yellowbelly will grow more slowly being so picky, but I'm in no hurry.

bottom line, if your pin was healthy when you got him, he'll be fine for a few weeks refusing food. the fastidious eaters always make you appreciate the hungry ones.

edit: for what it's worth, when prey is constricted, its death is far more humane than it would be when slammed against a wall or drowned. ultimately you have to do what you feel comfortable doing, but the general consensus is that a co2 chamber or flash freezing are the most humane alternatives to feeding live. (unless you're dealing with pinks, in which case freezing them is effective and humane). I think you mentioned not liking rats, but they are extremely intelligent and interesting animals. try to do what's best for them and for your reptiles.