Baby Rat | Wet Specimen | 55mm Glass Dome | Hooded

Colour: Hooded (white with dark)

The cutest baby rat wet specimen in an adorable 55mm glass dome with a stylish black base.

Selected at random- The rats may vary slightly in position, pattern or slight change in colour tone. Specimen move position during transit so I do not photograph them all individually.

Disclaimer- these are feeder rats. This means they're euthanased for snake/bird feed. I get these once a year from a supplier I trust to use CO2 gas euthanasia correctly. The supplier was able to educate me on the correct process they use with a regulated amount of gas that causes sleep then death rather than panic in the mice.

Using CO2 gas incorrectly can result in inhumane euthanasia. I have discontinued use of a few suppliers due to questionable practices. If I cannot get a clear rundown of the euthanasia method I cannot trust the practice.

I get a few rats and mice put aside for me during batches. Once a year I get them shipped when there is enough to send together frozen. They're not specifically euthanased for taxidermy purposes.

Fixation:

Fixation is achieved using a 10% clear formalin; formalin creates a chemical crosslink between proteins within the tissue structure. This is called fixing, and it prevents decomposition from occurring if done correctly by injection of the internals and soaking for a prolonged period of time to allow each specimen to fully preserve.

Solution:

The specimen is then taken from the formalin and soaked in distilled water for approximately 24 hours. This removes the formalin that has fixed the tissue and leaves the tissue fixed as the formalin is no longer needed. The wet specimen is then transferred into a dome and suspended in a solution of ethanol, pure glycerine, and an antifungal agent known as thymol. Your specimen should last you a lifetime with the proper care. If cared for properly, this specimen will not need a solution change. There are certain environmental factors in your home or surrounding that may occur that may result in needing a solution change and this is okay and sometimes unavoidable. If this does occur dome solution can be replaced with 70-75% rubbing alcohol of choice with no glycerine or 1/4 a cup of pure vegetable glycerine to 3/4 a cup of 99% ethanol. Mix well to homogenize and the solution is clear.

Always wear gloves and a respirator when working with any chemicals to avoid irritation.