Killing Feeder Anoles Humanely?

[LiamRatSnake]

Originally Posted by Grond

I know that this is a method used for killing chickens, but despite being quite knowledgable about electricity, I can see no safe and effective way to do it.

Or rather, I can see many ways to do it, but they are not safe or sure enough for me to either use myself, or put on a forum!

Does noone practice it with rodents? It's used on poultry, pigs, cows ect. I know it would be difficult getting the correct strenght ect but must be possible.

[Grond]

Originally Posted by LiamRatSnake

Does noone practice it with rodents? It's used on poultry, pigs, cows ect. I know it would be difficult getting the correct strenght ect but must be possible.

Not that I'm aware of. The large scale commercial rodent breeders I've spoken to use CO2.

One of the problems, especially with such small animals, would be delivering enough electricity to kill it cleanly, without cooking it. I personally, wouldn't like to conduct the experiments to find the correct voltage/time ratio!

[Paulusworm]

Originally Posted by Blaptica

I would imagine that there would be some time where the mouse would feel some sort of panic as it knew it was short of oxygen. Try breathing into a paper bag, you will quickly feel the panic sensation as your body knows its not getting enough oxygen. Your hand will pull the bag away long before you pass out.

Isoflurane however is a true aneasthetic that quickly causes unconsiousness. When a small amout of the liquid is placed in a confined space the vapours causes lack of consiousness quickly. Its used by vets for exactly that use for operations. You can overdose the mice so that after a few minutes there heart stops while they are "asleep". That is how I would like to go. No stress, no pain.

CO2 naturally occurs in the body whereas artificially created chemical solutions, such as the one you mention, obviously do not. Whilst I agree that your method is just as effective/humane, my concern is that there may be a residual chemical compound left behind that could harm the reptile. CO2 will not do that.

[Paulusworm]

Originally Posted by Grond

Not that I'm aware of. The large scale commercial rodent breeders I've spoken to use CO2.

One of the problems, especially with such small animals, would be delivering enough electricity to kill it cleanly, without cooking it. I personally, wouldn't like to conduct the experiments to find the correct voltage/time ratio!

If you do then please be careful. You might end up with Franken-mouse .

[Grond]

Originally Posted by Paulusworm

If you do then please be careful. You might end up with Franken-mouse .

Sounds fun!

Don't worry, I'm happy with my CO2.