Shrimp euthanasia

[mel_20_20]

OK... I have some curved forceps that work great... but where is the mouth? I put it up under his head... and some nubs of appendages work like crazy... but I don't see anything going in, although he's sort of opaque so it's not like when a ghost shrimp eats. Do you think he's getting any of it? Where exactly should I put the pellet so his "teeth" can get to it?

 

[msjinkzd]

he has little arms below his big claws that are teh ones that feed him.

 

[mel_20_20]

Thanks, Rach.... I'll try again and try to get the pellet in the right place. brb

 

[msjinkzd]

it will be ok without eating for a bit as well

 

[SubRosa]

You could also use a piece of clear rigid tubing and just roll a pellet where you need it.

 

[mel_20_20]

OK... I think he did eat some of it... but he's very stressed; I can see his little heart beating so fast. I'm going to let him rest for the night. I made sure there are no snails in the trap with him, so they won't try to snack on him.

I think he must have lost his big claws/legs in a fight... and then couldn't defend himself so his other appendages have been torn off, too. I feel so bad that I didn't notice. It must have happened during the night.

I'll try to help him... but if he starts to look like he's not doing well I will euthanise him. Thanks, everyone, so much. Deb, if I need to euthanise I will do the freezer method you suggested.

EDIT: Thanks, Rach, for the picture of shrimp anatomy.

 

[msjinkzd]

good luck mel! that is on lucky shrimp to have such a caring keeper.

 

[EscVelocity]

Might pick up some seaweed called nori (same stuff they wrap sushi in) and process it to a paste. Offer it to the shrimp with a syringe. The seaweed is rich in calcium,iodine, and other minerals.It will help with its molting process, and help regenerate lost limbs quicker.

 

[mel_20_20]

Thanks, guys. Update: I was able to hold some flakes with the curved forceps as I sort of propped him upright with the forceps full of flake, his tail fins pressed against the side of the breeder.

I maneuvered the tip up to his mouth and I saw his poor little nubs just going crazy and the next thing I saw, through the carapace as it was goiing into his body, was pink flake ! NOM NOM NOM

 

[msjinkzd]

excellent!!