First attempt at mice

[dragon501]

I talked to a friend and got them to sell me 1.4 mice. I set them up in a ten gallon tank with a water bottle and the forti-diet hampster food from wal-mart. One of the females had 15 babies 3 days later and so far so good. All of the females have been watching over the babies and the male has not tried to harm them. Is this normal because from what I have read on many forums is that the male will eat the babies if they are from a different male. This one has just ignored them. That is the first question second is how do you use carbon monoxide to euthanize them for freezing? Thanx for the help.
Pat

[brent_strande]

I hope you mean carbon dioxide...

I get dry ice and put it in a small rubbermaid sandwich container with holes in the lid. I put that container into a shoebox sided rubbermaid.

Put in the mice, then pour some water into the smaller container with the dry ice. Put on the lids and leave closed for five minutes. The mice/rats will fall into a deep sleep, then continue to shut down... very simple

If you aren't sure where to get dry ice, check the yellow pages, or I've heard that some Wal-Marts and Grocery stores will sell it. If not, you could try a refridgeration, or fire extinguisher shop.

Good luck!

EDIT: If you are unable to find dry ice, you can either get CO2 in the canister (like paintballers use) or else vinegar and baking soda.
I've never tried either, so someone else will have to give you more details. Also try googling it.

[Alias47]

Some ice cream shops or dairys will have it as well...

I used to get it from a dairy/ice cream shop here in the Chicago area...

I wouldn't recommend the vinegar/baking soda one...the smell will permeate the mice and some of your more finicky eaters may refuse them.

[flaming_lizard]

I personally have used my 9oz paintball CO2 canister to euthenize my mice and rats, but I had to buy the hose hookup for it and if you don't have either - they are both expensive. I like what Brent suggested and might try that myself. I have used the pen behind the head and pull the tail upward method, but I still don't know how I feel about it.

[Alias47]

CO2 cartridges are cheap and readily available...

I have seen instructions for building a killbox using them...
If I can find it again...I will post the site...