i am not trying to sound mean or make you feel bad, but i feel like i need to tell you this, so you don't freeze any reptiles in the future. the brain of the reptile is make to function at much lower termperatures than endotherms ('warm-blooded animals'), so they remain conscious far past the point where their blood begins to freeze, and the ice crystals send cause them to receive pain signals for up to a few hours (depends on size, so i've heard). never freeze a reptile, always 'pith' them. this involves taking a large-ish needle device, and pounding it forcefully into the brain cavity. it destroys the brain (in animals as small as a leopard gecko) instantly, as well as the ability to feel pain. decapitation is not sufficient, as the brain will continue to receive pain and 'live' past locomotor capabilities (for the same reason as freezing- they are ectotherms & work differently). some people decapitate first, then have better access to the brain cavity from the posterior (back) entry to the skull to pith the brain. for pithing, you can use an awl, a knitting needle, anything of that sort that is of the appropriate size for the animal concerned. however, your best bet is always to take it to a vet, where they can put her to sleep with an overdose of anaesthetic. many vets will do this for free.

what you did has been done, don't beat yourself up over it. just don't repeat the mistake. i hope you see that my advice is well-intended.
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marla
currently: 0.0.9 catfish, 0.1 ferrets, 0.0.3 hermit crabs (of unknown species), 2.8.3 leopard geckoes, 0.0.6 korean fire-bellied toads, 1.0.2 strawberry hermit crabs, and 0.2.0 sugar gliders

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