How can you put your rat to sleep?

According to a booklet written by Debbie Ducommun of the Rat Fan Club, the only humane way to euthanize a rat at home without a veterinarian is using carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrous oxide.

Concentrated CO2 is a central nervous system depressant and causes anesthesia. It doesn't cause suffocation. It will cause the rat to become anesthetized and then it will die.

The following is Debbie's recommended process for euthanasia:

Get a 10 gallon aquarium, an airtight plastic garbage bag (12"x16"), 4 ft of 1/2" vinyl tubing, a strong rubber band, (2) 2 cup measuring cups, 4 cups of white vinegar, 5 tablespoons of baking soda and a cover for the aquarium.

Put 5 tablespoons of baking soda on the bottom of the plastic bag & set the bag on the table next to the aquarium. Put 2 cups of vinegar in each measuring cup and set both cups inside the bag next to the baking soda.

Put the rubber band tightly around the neck of the bag and then insert one end of the tubing into the bag through the rubber banded neck so it is secured. Place the other end inside the aquarium.

Put a thick layer of cloth in the bottom of the aquarium and run the end of the hose underneath the cloth to disperse the gas coming out of the tube.

Place rat in the aquarium. Pour one of the cups of vinegar into the bottom of the plastic bag, making sure the hose stays above the liquid. The solution will begin to fizz for 1-2 minutes. When the fizzing slows down, pour out half of the remaining vinegar.

The rat will become groggy and go to sleep. Once the rat is unconscious, pour out the rest of the vinegar. Mix it well and gently compress the bag to force more of the CO2 into the aquarium. Cover the aquarium and do not disturb for at least 20 minutes.

For a copy of the booklet and complete details, contact the author at www.ratfanclub.org