An Additional Note about Freezer Euthanasia
We've had several inquiries and tracked several searches back to our site specifically looking for information on euthanising rodents using the freezer, and have decided that it may be important to elaborate on what an inhumane method this is. Please remember that placing your animal in the freezer to euthanize them is a very painful way to die, and it can take quite a long time. This method of euthanisia causes hypothermia, which has the following stages:

Stage One: Mild to strong shivering occurs, while blood vessels in the outer extremeties constrict to lessen heat loss. Breathing becomes quick and shallow, dexterity and control over extremeties becomes hindered. A warming feeling may occur as Stage Two approaches.

Stage Two: Shivering becomes violent. Muscle motions become uncoordinated, and movement is slow and labored accompanied by mental confusion. Surface blood vessels continue to contract to try and protect the vital orgrans. Extremeties and exposed skin (such as paws, tails and lips) may turn blue from lack of circulation.

Stage Three: Shivering usually stops at this point as the cellular metabolic process shuts down. Exposed skin may become blue and puffy. Movement becomes almost impossible. Behaviors such as frantic burrowing, or stupor can occur. Pulse and respiration drops, while fast heart rates can occur. Major organs fail causing Clinical Death, although there is evidence that it will take longer for the brain to completely die.