Hi, I am deeply puzzled by something. From all I have read, Carbon Dioxide is the most humane way of euthanizing rodents for snake food.
But I have also heard that some Carbon Dioxide residue can remain in the rodent and be a danger to the snake.
Can it? On one hand, (I don't own a snake now but plan to soon) I wish for the feeder mice I will use to have been treated well and have an end that's assured to be painless. On the other hand, I don't want to subject a snake to food that could make it sick.
If anyone here is knowledgable about chemistry, this debate or has any suggestions I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you very much.
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CO2, rodent euthanasia and snake safety question.
Drosera
Oct 04, 2004 09:34 PM
Replies (3)
JM
Oct 04, 2004 10:08 PM
Mice, rats, you~ all of us exhale CO2 when we breathe. It is natural. It is literally one carbon and two oxygen. It kills the rodent by being heavier than oxygen~ the CO2 sinks to the bottom of the kill tank while the "Air" rises. Leaving only CO2 for the rodent to inhale. This causes CO2 intoxication and the rodent falls asleep (from the lack of oxygen~ it is inhaling more carbon and less oxygen with each breath) eventually (within a few moments of the intoxication stage)the rodent will stop breathing all together due to the lack of oxygen.
http://www.thereddragonsden.com/co2.htm
I'm no scientist~ I hope I explained that well enough to be understood clearly.
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Cheryl Marchek
AKA JM
Check out my website at:
The Red Dragons Den
diggy415
Oct 04, 2004 10:31 PM
Has anyone ever had any phscho rats to put in this type of tanks that would bounce all over? Also how long does it take for a juv rat,adult rat,adult mouse??? thnks
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My roomates are2 boas, 4 corns,Rotti,3cats and snake food AKA the food chain.
JM
Oct 05, 2004 08:03 AM
"Also, the one in my picture is NOT large enough for adult rats. Since taking this photo I have had to move to a larger tub to accommodate my own needs."
"Again~ If you see the rodents in distress you are adding the CO2 too quickly. Just add a little very slowly until they seem to fall asleep~ then flood the tank with CO2 to finish the job."
"I usually leave adults approx. 5 minutes; juveniles for approx. 8 minutes. Pinkie’s are not suited to CO2 euthanasia. They are naturally resistant to hypoxia, and will die much more quickly and efficiently if placed unprotected directly into the freezer."
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Cheryl Marchek
AKA JM
Check out my website at:
The Red Dragons Den
