breeding rats

[Se/2aph]

if i was to breed rats to feed my coastals is there a way im supposed to put to sleep the pinkies, or do i just bag em and freeze em?

[mitchdiamond]

Co2 gas works best.There was a thread about making one some where.

[mitchdiamond]

A Simple CO2 Chamber For Culling Rodents
Here it is.

[Se/2aph]

thnx mitch!!

[waruikazi]

ONly problem with CO2 is that you need alot of rats to make it economically viable because dry ice can be quite expensive. I spoke to a vet who said the next most humane way was to put them in a container with some tissue paper and just put them in the freezer. They just curl up with each other, get comfortable and go to sleep apparently.

[Se/2aph]

thats wot i was originally gunna do but wanted other opinions b4 i start breedin them.

do they need to be in a certain temp environment to breed? i was gunna keep them in a cupboard in my garage.

[waruikazi]

Nah i just keep my trio in my laundry. Don't know what the temps would be, prolly between 26 and 30 at times. But i do keep a fan on them continuously so they don't get too hot.

[Bonustokin]

I dont agree with the freezer method.... very painfull.....

Should use a Co2 Chamber or just bang them on the head..... give them the quickest, most painless death possible i reckon.... poor bloody things.

Here is my Co2 setup, Its a old Soda Stream i got from the Op-shop for $5, then bought a Co2 Bottle from Kmart for $45. (you get refills for $11 on a swap and go system)

Very simple but effective.... I havent used all my first Co2 Bottle yet, so they would last 6-12months i spose, depending on how often you use it.

Here is a picture, if anyone needs more info, PM me.

[mitchdiamond]

That looks like a good set-up Bonustokin.

[cris]

Originally Posted by Se/2aph

if i was to breed rats to feed my coastals is there a way im supposed to put to sleep the pinkies, or do i just bag em and freeze em?

For pinkies the best way it to hit their head with another object or to break their necks by pressing at the base of their head. CO2 doesnt work well at all for pinkies because they dont need to breathe often.

[Bonustokin]

ah yea, ok.... i forgot we were talking about pinkies.....
Your dead right about that cris. Glad you pointed that out, hahahahaha.

[Se/2aph]

wot wud i hit them with? thumb, fist, hard book, small hammer??

[waruikazi]

I don't like to hit pinkies because it usually takes three or four goes before it actually kills them. Just seems to be because their bones are so soft they kind of bouce back. Freezing them like i said seems to be the most humane method.

[Bonustokin]

Originally Posted by Se/2aph

wot wud i hit them with? thumb, fist, hard book, small hammer??

you grab them by the tail and bang there head on a brick or something, as hard as you can.

I don't like to hit pinkies because it usually takes three or four goes before it actually kills them. Just seems to be because their bones are so soft they kind of bouce back.

That is true, but the first "hit" will knock them out, so they dont feel the 3 more bangs after that.
Freezing is wrong IMO. im a person who looks at every animal equaly when euthanasing and i beleive that getting frozen to death would be most unpleasant.

[cyclamen]

hmmm i remember getting the flame of a lifetime last year for addmitting that i freeze my rats