Topic: euthanizing a betta?

[wendyjo]

It's such a controversial subject - it's hard not to get heated over it.  We all want what's best for the fish and having to destroy one is just the worst and figuring out the best way to do it is the worstest of all

[BettaBelle]

Of course, and as with everything, people tend to forget that what works well in their opinion, might not work well in another's. This being as sentive a subject as it is only compounds the issue.

[Guitarchiq]

But it is great that we all can have an open discussion about it in the way that we have.  It's beneficial to anyone in the horrible possition of having to put a pet to sleep.  I'm trying to make that very decision now for Gibson.  I know what I'll do (use the MS-222 at work), but not everyone does, and like stated above, not everyone can do the same thing. 

[Curiosity]

I'm so sorry about your boy!  I'm sorry also that you have to do this.  I'm dreading the day I'll have to do that to my boy.  He'll thank you for being strong enough to ease his suffering.

[dorn27]

I'm sorry you all got into a debate over this.  Sorry that my post asked for first hand experiences from someone who'd used clove oil, and that very few people paid any attention to what I was asking.  I didn't ask to be lectured on the more humane methods of cutting off Thunders head.  I really wish people would stay on the topic, and answer my question.  Civil discussion or not, I've got the violent stomach and intestinal flu, and certainly did not appreciate the mental images about something I wasn't even inquiring about.

I've been on this board for years, read all the stickies (though its helpful to post it as always).  I really didn't need advice about a more 'humane' way, I don't have the stomach for that, even healthy, no matter how humane it may be.  That wasn't what I was asking for.  I asked for personal experience.  Sad really, how so many people miss the point.  Sure has been a great week for me, had my birthday not a soul remembered except my mother and husband... What could be better that to celebrate with the flu?  Losing a beloved fish.

Regardless, I used clove oil.  1/3 of the tiny bottle.  The water was yellow, I pour him and a little more water in, and he was gone before he even hit the bottom of the little cup.  Its fast, painless and I put him in the freezer after to make sure.  He didn't even flick a fin in struggle.  So, I think amount is the key here.... more the better.  And thanks Wendy, for your first hand experience.  I had forgotten about your trama, and had it not been your comment I would have used the 10 drop dose I read about... that would certainly have not been enough and he would have had the same problems as Indy. 

Thankfully he's gone peacefully, and thankfully I finally got out of the house to get something for him.  I'm still quite violently ill every time my Imodium wears off, so there wasn't a chance before now. 

[BettaBelle]

Dorn, I am sorry you are having such a hard time right now, you are a great person, and it is hard for me to hear that things aren't going as they should for people I have come to respect and admire, even if it is a "net friend" that I haven't even met in real life.
I think that thihs line is what caught in people'smind

I'll pick some up tonight after work if you all convince me its safe.....

That left the opening for some to try to convince you that it wasn't safe, and to offer alternatives. I try not to speak in absolutes, and because I have NOT had any experience in clove oil, I chose not to comment, but then I saw it being said to not use a method that worked for me, I did comment, to give the opposing point of view.
That was wrong of me, and your thread was not the place for that, and I apologize.
I really hope you feel better soon, and I am sorry you had to be subjected to something you found distastful, especially in your current condition.
I am also sorry that you had to lose an old friend, but I am glad that it was easy and painless for him even though I know it was not for you.
*HUGS*

[pinkconvictlover]

I think my happiness will end when i have to euthanize bruce. he was my first fish. i have had him for almost two years now. ime sorry about thunder. I have never euthanized a fish but i know how har it must be. i had ajellybean parrot once and it died and i still hate myself for letting that poor fish die i know i could have dne something if i bouht him  larger tank. i expect that it must be even harder to euthanize a fish. luckily there re humane ways to do it and i think its etter to put a fish out of its misery than et it endure the pain. i think deep down in all of our hearts we all know it would be the right thing to do.

[wendyjo]

Dorn, I DID use alot of clove oil  - at least I thought I did.  I dumped a whole bunch in the little container he was in but he still thrashed about and struggled and it took a while.  I'm glad it worked better for your lil guy.

[Jamin]

I've never used clove oil.  I've always just freezed them, and in my experience, it's always been smooth and painless.  They just go into a never ending sleep, with out any thrashing, or struggling.

[LW]

I have had a few Bettas the past few years and I can tell you the first one...my dear Julius...was the saddest situation. He was struggling to live for many days and that made it very hard for me to euthanize. I wished I had tried the clove oil thing you mentioned because I put Julius in the freezer and then still saw him moving hours later. It was horrible.

My other Bettas died overnight or when I was at work. I came home and found them "gone." It was sad but not as painful as seeing Julius getting weaker.

I send you a lot of positive vibes...

LW