We have 3 snakes and a tokay gecko, all of which each frozen-thaw mice. We like to breed our own mice not only because its cheaper than paying a dollar for each mouse when the snakes eat twice a week, but it also ensures that our mice aren't carrying any funky diseases.

We have been euthanizing them in the least cruel way we could find: fifteen seconds in a dry ice gas chamber and its over very fast. Then we place them in the freezer. I read that this is better than just putting them in the freezer alive because it takes hours for them to die.

This is very stressful for me because I have always kept mice as pets, and still do, but only recently began breeding some as feeders. It is very important to me that we cause the least amount of pain/suffering possible. So I want to know are we doing it the best way already or is there a more humane way we could do it?

(I refuse to break their necks or bash them against anything!)

franneh, considering how they use mice in experiments for a large number of reasons incurring much suffering I think you are going about it the most human way possible.

However, don't be upset by some answer here as we have very many animal lovers. You asked a valid question and put it in a way that leaves no doubt you feel the same way.

Thank you! I was afraid to ask it but I just want to do the right thing. My snakes are my pets too and they have to eat too, just like my mice, dog, hamster and fish! I told my Husband when we decided to get our first snake that live-feeding would not be an option in this house and he agreed. I get very upset when I think about how mice are used in labs, as I have always had a special place in my heart for rodents. So that is why I am concerned. I asked the pet store how they did it and they said they either just stick them in the freezer live or break their necks. Both options make me sick. That's when I dove into the internet to find a humane way. I know that ANY way is better than being eaten alive, but I treat my feeder mice the same as my pet mice. They are plump, happy and spoiled rotten and I want to treat them with the same love and respect even when the time comes for us to do this.

I think the dry ice must be pretty quick. Unfortuanely I believe breaking their necks is the most quick way if you do it correctly. That is how it is done in labs and they are very strict about the amount of suffering. I don't think putting them into a -20 fridge is a very nice method as you say.

I've been trying to find the best method as well for when my pet rats get too sick (a couple of years yet thankfully). I don't know whether a trip to the vet would be more stress than if I did it myself.

Asking about, many people (who have actually done this) say break their necks by pulling their heads quickly from their bodies.

Buy a CO2 chamber. Most humane way, approved by IACUC.

Old thread.

Please check dates before posting.

Thread closed.