How can I “recycle” a dead pet?

Mon 11 Feb 2008

A pet rat We’ve had an email from “Pondering of Bristol”, saying:

Sorry to be a bit morbid but my daughter’s pet rat, Ellen, is on the way out and we are wondering what to do with her once the inevitable happens? We don’t have a big garden, just pots, so can’t really bury her. Should we put her in the compost?

I wouldn’t put a dead animal in an open compost heap for the same reason I would steer clear of composting any animal products - it may attract other unwanted vermin or insects to the heap while it’s decomposing. People using sealed composting systems are usually more happy to do this type of thing though.

We’ve always been able to bury our ex-cats in their favourite spot in the garden so I haven’t really thought about alternatives - does anyone else know about this sort of thing?

(Photo by puellakas)

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definitely don’t compost - can spread disease.
next time you’re out in the country (or a quiet corner of the park) chuck it in the woods and it’ll decompose naturally there.

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If you know anyone who uses bokashi compost, ask them to get rid of it for you.

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You could ask your vet about proper disposal or even cremation.

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We’ve had pet rats that passed away. Either they’ve gone back to nature to decompose [usually in/along the rivers here in WA state] or, with a couple of rats, they were buried in larger pots with some of our smaller “decorative” plants. In fact, that particular pot has been with us for about 3-4 years now, even thru a big move and quite a lot of snow. The plants are still with us and it’s a nice way to remember our ratties.

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oh, don’t throw it in a park or the woods! my dog eats everything, and I’d be horrified if he found a dead rat to much on. I like the idea of sneaking in to a park and burying it, though.

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