- Thread starter
- #21
myback40
In the Brooder
Drowning seems to be a much kinder end according to the research I've been doing. For example, this link: https://www.ratcontroltricks.com/rat-traps/ says, "Most rats will drown within two minutes, although Norway rats are strong swimmers and it could take far longer for them to exhaust themselves and succumb." If they fall into a bucket, then, I have no idea how long they suffer. Holding a trap under water is more finite but then I must do the deed with my own hands, or make my husband do it (and the chickens are my domain/problem).... I did consider drowning but people said it was inhumane (I had same issue as you-wanted to pick the most humane death)-I had pet rats and I hate to kill any creature, but there is nothing else that can be done with rats-it's bad to release them elsewhere, bad to not do anything etc. etc just can't win! Anyway, drowning is apparently not an acceptably humane method here in the UK so I think it might even be against the law, but I don't understand how poison can be allowed-surely that is far more inhumane? Wouldn't a drowning death be over in 2-3 minutes? Not pleasant but then what death is? Anyway, if i get the rifle working I will use that and let you know how it worked out-it seems like the best option.
The pellet gun still worries me. I'd be at close range, firing either down into a garbage can or through wires. What are the chances I can hit the right spot? Would the pellet ricochet and come back at me? Might I end up with a bloody & cruel situation?