Not looking good.. Deformed hatchlings

[Galaxygirl]

Does anyone have instructions on how to pith a snake? I can't find any information on it.. Or would it be easier to use CO2? I'm not sure if that's what rodent breeders use, honestly wasn't prepared for something like this.

[Kibbleswhites]

Does anyone have instructions on how to pith a snake? I can't find any information on it.. Or would it be easier to use CO2? I'm not sure if that's what rodent breeders use, honestly wasn't prepared for something like this.

Hatchlings are pretty simple. Put baby in a folded paper towel then into a sandwich bag, note where head is. It will be still and calm because it is dark and safe in there. Completely smash head with any tool or your thumb. It does not take much to do and the towel should be wet when the job is done well. It is very fast and the hatchlings that I have done this way due to severe kinking and jaw deformaties have gone very fast with nearly no twitching afterwards. Since it is already in a bag, there is no mess or gore to see. It happens, even when you have done everything right.

[Fraido]

Hatchlings are pretty simple. Put baby in a folded paper towel then into a sandwich bag, note where head is. It will be still and calm because it is dark and safe in there. Completely smash head with any tool or your thumb. It does not take much to do and the towel should be wet when the job is done well. It is very fast and the hatchlings that I have done this way due to severe kinking and jaw deformaties have gone very fast with nearly no twitching afterwards. Since it is already in a bag, there is no mess or gore to see. It happens, even when you have done everything right.

Eugh. Gosh, is there a less brutal way to do it?

[Eric Alan]

Eugh. Gosh, is there a less brutal way to do it?

As brutal as it sounds, complete cranial destruction is the most humane way to do it.

[John1982]

Eugh. Gosh, is there a less brutal way to do it?

When doing at home/emergency euthanasia, the goal is to destroy the brain. You can use a shotgun, a hammer, a screwdriver, an icepick, etc. Unless you're competent in the process, causing broad range damage is your best bet at getting the job done without causing additional pain. I use a pocketknife because I've always got one on me and when I have something that needs to be put down, waiting around isn't doing either of us any favors.

[bks2100]

Hatchlings are pretty simple. Put baby in a folded paper towel then into a sandwich bag, note where head is. It will be still and calm because it is dark and safe in there. Completely smash head with any tool or your thumb. It does not take much to do and the towel should be wet when the job is done well. It is very fast and the hatchlings that I have done this way due to severe kinking and jaw deformaties have gone very fast with nearly no twitching afterwards. Since it is already in a bag, there is no mess or gore to see. It happens, even when you have done everything right.

How much pressure does it take with your thumb? This is something I hope I don't have to do ever, but I realize I'll probably do it at least once in my life. I even felt a little bad killing some rats with co2 even though the alternative would be feeding them live to a snake (which is a much worse way to go imo). I've read about a hammer and everything but I've hit a few nails before and my aim is not something to brag about. While I'd hate to feel the squish I'd feel better knowing it was done right and done quickly with the animal feeling as little pain as possible.

[Kibbleswhites]

How much pressure does it take with your thumb? This is something I hope I don't have to do ever, but I realize I'll probably do it at least once in my life. I even felt a little bad killing some rats with co2 even though the alternative would be feeding them live to a snake (which is a much worse way to go imo). I've read about a hammer and everything but I've hit a few nails before and my aim is not something to brag about. While I'd hate to feel the squish I'd feel better knowing it was done right and done quickly with the animal feeling as little pain as possible.

Like squishing a cherry tomato, strawberry, or palmetto bug, not much at all.