How to Kill Feeder Mice

Many reptile owners feed their pets a diet of baby "feeder" mice. While frozen dead mice are available for sale, some prefer to buy live mice. To prevent possible injury to the snake from biting or scratching by the mouse, it is often suggested the mouse be killed immediately before feeding it to the reptile. Which is the most humane way to dispatch the mouse is a controversial topic and depends on the snake owner's personal preference.

Things You'll Need

  • Sealed jar or plastic container
  • Dry ice
  • Pillowcase or bag
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the mouse in a jar or plastic container with a lid. Drill a small hole into the lid of the container. Place dry ice into the container. The dry ice will force oxygen out of the container and suffocate the mouse.

    • 2

      Drop the mouse into a pillowcase or bag. Swing the bag and smack it sharply against the wall or other hard surface to kill the mouse.

    • 3

      Pick the mouse up by the tail. Wear gloves to prevent the mouse from biting you. Holding onto the tail, hold the mouse's head with your other hand. Pull both hands firmly and quickly to snap its neck.

    • 4

      Seal the mouse in a plastic bag. Place the bag in the freezer. The mouse will experience hypothermia, which some consider a humane form of euthanasia.