Variation in Method

If the animal is too active, or you can't obtain the materials needed for the above procedure, you could put the animal in a small cage, a travel cage, or box with holes in it. Put about 1 and a half cup of baking soda in the bottom of a large plastic bag. Put the cage or box into the bag raised about 4 inches above the bottom.

Open a gallon jug of vinegar and reach into the bag with it. You might want to put a barrier between the cage and jug so none can accidentally be spilled into the cage. Gather up as much of the plastic as you can around your arm so that as much air has been removed as possible and tie or hold the bag about your arm tightly.

Slowly pour out the vinegar so that about a quarter of it has been poured out over a period of about 1 minute (or until the volume of the bag has inflated so it is about 1/3 larger than it was). Set the jug down inside the bag and fan the air with your hand to mix air and CO2 for about 1 minute. Then loosen the bag around your arm a bit should you somehow have it totally sealed to allow gas to escape, and continue to pour the vinegar out until the jug is empty. Remove your arm and close the bag. Wait at least 10-30 minutes before checking to verify death. As mentioned, one problem with this procedure is that the fizzing might frighten the animal.

Next:  The Reptile Feeder Method 

         The Euthanasia Machine 

          Concluding Remarks 

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