first bird done or at least done with it... now the questions

[pittmjj]

First bird was a training dummy...yep, actually came out of a dog trainers freezer, in pretty bad shape, but turned out looking like a duckish sort of creature. Now the questions for you guys. I have watched and read to nauseam several vids and books, (as well as this forum..not to nauseam here though) and got the impression the best way to learn was to do. Now that I have done 1 all the way, and working on the next, big question #1 how clean? I know I will get alot of wash wheel and wash wheel some more, but how about something more quantitative (saw the pintail picks that were white washed lookin clean...is anything short of that unusable?), and if not clean "enough" what happens, is it immediate bad stuff or just long term "doesnt last as long" kind of implications? And what is to be done with tissue on incision edges? If i get it real clean its hard to get a stitch to hold. I notice there is an immediate subcutaneous layer of "fat" then a membrane, then another layer. The most superficial subcutaneous layer is difficult to deal with since it seems to be a more dense tissue...any how tos for that? Why does my small head poppin incision turn into a half way down the neck gash? and how do i avoid this (must be noted this is actually the 7th specimen experimented on). What is the trick to poppin the head through on a c-back hen or can it be done (awful fat neck not to come through). Is there a way to "lube the feathers so they dont bunch up when inverting the head? I tried pretty much as many solvents soaps and tools as could be logistically tolerated by 1 skin to attempt finding that "perfect 1, or combo". This leads me to my next ? Whats the opinion on using laundry soap, its a serious ionic binder and theoretically should melt every stitch of open organic material it comes in contact with (better hope it is I wash underwear with other clothes....you know you do too). Is this commonly used, or are there cautions to be aware of when using laundry soaps. sewing up inscisions has prompted a few ? also. Does neck sewing require much finer thread and much finer needle? is a double concealed stitch appropriate for creating a smooth stitch closure? Im sure I will have more, but thats it for the moment. Any random or directed piece of advise will be much welcomed.

[txoutdoors]

Cleaning...Nancy did a great tutorial. http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,71316.0.html
Look at the photos of the feathers. Good indication of when its clean.

Head incision....dont do that. I do every bird like its getting an artificial head. Skin around the bill and take the real head out. Clean, dry, paint, reinstall and glue.

Dawn soap is all you need.

Neck sewing is no different than any other hole. Same thread, same needle.

I found that i couldn'thide a breast incision or head incision enough to make me happy. I started skinning leg to leg and around the bill. No head cut to hide, leg to leg is pretty concealed and found my birds are much better. the leg to leg takes a little getting used to, but once you have it down it's no longer than any other way with better results IMO.

[pittmjj]

thanks tex,
with the leg to leg ive seen it done from leg skin to leg skin and from top of thigh to top of thigh, what is your m.o. and why

[pittmjj]

Oh yeah, and on tumbling. I have used hardwood chips and borax, and got a pretty fluffy shiny critter by doing so. what opinions are there out there on this, will it cause problems in the long run or is what ya see what get?

[txoutdoors]

Another great link....skinning a head:
http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,66623.0.html

Bird drying:
http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,72075.0.html

Tube Skinning:
http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,74726.0.html

Everyone tumbles with corn cob grit. Any wood could put some sap or residue on the bird......that's what i have read. I personally dont tumble. Air dry.....takes a little longer but no worries.

[pittmjj]

Thanks tex, that leg to leg incision was great, and the head extraction wasnt bad at all. Ill post some pics of a c-back hen and a ringneck here in a few and have you guys give me pointers.