how can i humanely kill a mouse

[Andy_G]

Originally Posted by sam

My apologies Andy, I went into this thread with fairly little knowledge and spoke without much to back up my opinions. (As I don't breed or deal with live prey items myself)
Ive done some research and the vast majority believe that breaking the neck or CO2 is the safest and most ethical way of euthanising mammals. Atleast in the herp community.

Everyone thank Andy for pointing out our flawed methods and helping to point OP and the less educated in the right direction.

However I don't think the monkey's will appreciate you putting them DOWN to MY LEVEL, Don't be so offensive!

Sincerely.

Sam, I appreciate that! We are all here to learn and help. Some of us who have been on here or around the hobby for a while may come across quite bluntly, myself included, but it is certainly not to offend.

Also, I must apologize to the monkeys.

[RAD House]

For mice with small bodies and no fur freezing is actually a quick and painless death. I agree drowning is a needlessly stressful death. To insinuate that being crushed to death is painless is rediculous in my opinion, no matter how short a time period. If done right cervical dislocation and co2 asphyxiation are the best methods. Cervical dislocation actually ruptures the nerves that allow us to feel pain. Many people use the method of blunt force trauma to kill mice but I won't do it because I don't want to put a mouse through the experimentation phase. Also it feels a bit disrespectful, but this is only my personal feeling. Most large feeder companies use CO2 because it is the most humane way. Humane death leads to higher quality food, just ask any hunter.

[Zelg]

Originally Posted by macandchz

dear zelg i got it up to plugging the mat into the thermostat. what's the thermostat? my mat plugs directly into the outlet. will this work without a thermostat? it sounds like a good plan.

Google Hydrofarm Thermostat. They are $30. You plug the thermostat into the wall outlet. You then take your heat mat and plug that into the thermostat. Theres a plug outlet on the thermostat. You can also plug in radiant heat panels and I'm sure ceramic heat emitters as well.

So, thermostat plugs into wall. Heat mat plugs into thermostat. Lay the thermostats probe on the heat mat (weigh it down/set something on top of the probe cord to keep it in place). Set the thermostat to your desired temp and then place the frozen mice on the heat mat.

[macandchz]

thank you, zelg! got all of it now. sounds like a great idea and i'm going to give it a try.

[Zelg]

Originally Posted by macandchz

thank you, zelg! got all of it now. sounds like a great idea and i'm going to give it a try.

Excellent! I'm glad i was able to hell you out. Good luck with the feedings.