The Reptile Feeder Method

I've noted that many visitors are looking for a humane way to kill rodents to feed to reptiles (mostly snakes). Live animals, even small mice, may injure the reptile pet who, through no fault of its own, happens to be imperfectly carnivorous. Fortunately the recently dead is usually accepted. Given that there are sites for reptile lovers that recommend putting the rodent in a bag and throwing it as hard as possible against the wall (which arguably does the most harm in the long run to the person doing the throwing), a desire for a more humane method is understandable. Since feeding is an ongoing need, some method that tends towards the convenient is desirable. If the CO₂ method is too involved, it may tend not to be used, which could be undesirable given the alternatives. If I were destined to be food for a snake, I'd rather nod off first and die quietly.

So here is a suggested and tested method. Needed is a gallon jar or gallon sized container with a lid. Put shredded paper in the bottom for the rodent (or several fuzzies) to seek shelter. Put a tall drinking glass containing a heaping tablespoon (1.2 tbsp) of baking soda in. Have 8 ounces of vinegar (preferably white) ready to pour. If the animal is jumping/climbing, more shredded paper can be added so the top of the light weight plastic glass is near the top of the jar. When some vinegar is added, the jar lid is set on (loosely), and there is no possibility of a rodent climbing on top and falling in the glass.

Before doing this for real, practice. The main issue with this method is that you can easily pour the vinegar into the glass too fast. A volcanic outpouring of baking soda/vinegar can erupt from the glass. You can be told to pour slowly, you may fully intend to, but until you do it, you won't know what "slow" is. The idea is to pour slowly while the CO₂ gas first fills the glass, then spills over into the jar. You won't see this, but as CO₂ is heavier than air, it will happen. For a minute or so, keep pouring. Then put the lid loosely on the jar.

Practice a few more times, then put the rodent into the jar with the bedding material. Put the glass with the baking soda in. Put lid on. When rodent has settled down (usually a minute or so), remove lid and start pouring the vinegar. When done pouring, put lid on loosely and come back in 15 minutes.

Next:  The Euthanasia Machine 

          Concluding Remarks 

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