I was letting the rats free-range in my bedroom while I cleaned their cage, but didn't realize that a small bolt had fallen out of a piece of furniture. Tux, in all her derpy glory, decided that All Shiny Things Must Be Eaten and proceeded to almost choke to death.

I heard a scraping sound, and found her running along the floor, dragging her chin along the ground. I picked her up, and she was drooling a horrendous amount. Her whiskers were moving, but no sniffing sounds could be heard. I held her chest up to my ear... nothing but a frantic heart beat.

So I performed the fling. It took twice, but the object dislodged. After a vet check to make sure I didn't hurt her and that she could breathe properly, she's home and safe.

Please learn this procedure... it could save your babies one day:

This procedure should only be used if the rat is not breathing and/or the rat is unconscious.

• Hold the upper torso of the rat, on it's side, in one hand. Make sure the head is cradled by your fingers.

• Use the other hand to hold the rat's hind end against the inside of your forearm.

• Holding the rat firmly in that position, raise it above your head. Make sure there are no obstacles in the way of your arc. Swing downward in a rapid arc. The rat's head will be facing the ground between your legs.

• Do this 3 or 4 times and then check to see if the food has been dislodged and/or the rat is breathing.