If you precharge the CO2 chamber by getting the atmosphere completely exchanged for CO2 it goes a lot quicker with less gasping.

Otherwise, cervical ligation is the quickest. Grab the rat by the tail (with a good grip then place the metal part of a screwdriver across the neck (gripping the screwdriver tightly) and press it into a solid surface. Pull on the tail with a good tug and you will dislocate the neck. This is much easier than head trauma and less bloody.

All of these issues and methods are covered by the American Vet. Med Association (AVMA) guidelines at: http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf

-DC

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