Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I read the post/replies and have a somewhat differing opinion and was wondering what you guys thought. I am NOT considering this, but have been put in the position (I thought) to do so for a reptile and had a horrific experience with it. Seeing this posted made be wonder what Rainbow Boa people thought.

Great topic.

First off, I have euthanised snakes. A neighbor of mine bludgeoned a garter snake with a shovel a couple of months ago just seconds before I realized what he was doing. She was very clearly mortally wounded and in a great deal of pain. After I decided there wasn't anything anyone could do for her I ended it the quickest way I could think of. I gave her a quick shot to the head with a hammer. It was better than watching her writhe in agony.

Secondly, I would euthanise a snake from my own collection if the animal was certified by a Vet. to have an incurable, contagious disease for the protection of the rest of my collection and to prevent suffering. I also think severe deformation is an appropriate reason to perform euth..

As far as "how to go about it....," I think a sharp blow to the head is likely to be the least painful. I can't get my head around freezing a snake....that seems like it would take a little to long and I don't see how it could be painless. I think it is less painful for the owner of the snake because she/he doesn't have to watch or see any blood.

Take care, Chris O
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www.chrisolsonreptiles.com
Naked I see the camp of those who desire nothing

...Many people do not like discussing this subject. This is to be expected. It seems to me that if you keep snakes long enough you will have to face the question. Sometimes an animal is sick and nothing we do seems to make a difference. I am attached to my snakes but not like I become attached to a pet dog. If a dog needed to be euthanised I would not be able to do it and so I would have the vet do it. If I have a snake that needs to be euthanised I do it myself. I believe pithing is one of the more humane methods to euthanize a snake. To pith a snake you stab a sharp instrument through the base of the brain and sever it from the spinal cord. Pithing is the method used in slaughter houses to kill livestock.
Jeff

>>Great topic.
>>
>>First off, I have euthanised snakes. A neighbor of mine bludgeoned a garter snake with a shovel a couple of months ago just seconds before I realized what he was doing. She was very clearly mortally wounded and in a great deal of pain. After I decided there wasn't anything anyone could do for her I ended it the quickest way I could think of. I gave her a quick shot to the head with a hammer. It was better than watching her writhe in agony.
>>
>>Secondly, I would euthanise a snake from my own collection if the animal was certified by a Vet. to have an incurable, contagious disease for the protection of the rest of my collection and to prevent suffering. I also think severe deformation is an appropriate reason to perform euth..
>>
>>As far as "how to go about it....," I think a sharp blow to the head is likely to be the least painful. I can't get my head around freezing a snake....that seems like it would take a little to long and I don't see how it could be painless. I think it is less painful for the owner of the snake because she/he doesn't have to watch or see any blood.
>>
>>Take care, Chris O
>>-----
>>www.chrisolsonreptiles.com
>>Naked I see the camp of those who desire nothing