Slitting pinkies question

[rachow]

Hi,

I just read an article posted in the husbandry section about slitting pinkies and how it increases growth rate because more nutrients are absorbed. I'd like to do it, but before I do, I'd like to know how. I've never seen instructions. For instance, I assume you slit them after they're thawed, but what do you use to slit them and how? Scissors? Knife? Should this be a designated tool that I only use for pinkies? It's kind of nasty to think of using it for other reasons after it's touched a dead mouse's body.

Thanks!

 

[Zombiegirl]

pinkies are incredibly easy to slit with a knife...just be careful. you may not want to use your best steak knife though

 

[backafter30]

I've only done this once so far, but I found them really easy to cut apart for tiny hatchlings with an Exacto-blade (hobby/razor knife) while still frozen. Super easy, and no mess tilll you thaw them. Then, well, yuck. Just don't accidentally cut yourself with the same blade later. Really easy to do, and eeeeeww.

 

[Nanci]

I use a tiny fingernail scissors.

 

[rachow]

Thank you everyone! I use Nanci's method and it worked great! After seeing how easy the skin is to cut, I'm glad I went with scissors. It seems safer than using a knife. I feel like I could have accidentally cut myself that way. Plus, I don't have to worry about the scissors getting used for any other purpose.