WING"TIPS"#3 Removing marrow

[wingman]

Here's another small tip, Removing marrow from the ''drumstick'' on birds is rather easy when you do the ''drumstick'' attachment on your mannequin which most bird taxidermist do, All that's required to do so is to run an appropriately sized wire down the hollow bone essentially ''pushing'' the marrow out. However I like to  use the ''hip'' attachment and want to leave all the bones intact for accurate bends and in doing so  the drumstick bone which holds a good deal of marrow is inaccessible, To deal with this I drill a small hole at the base of the bone, insert my fine- tipped air nozzle into the hole and basically BLOW all the marrow and grease out. I would reccomend placing a paper towel over the nozzle before depressing the trigger as it can get messy. After doing this the bird goes to the wire wheel and then the wash It only takes a few minutes and over time your birds feet will be less likely to ''bleed'' grease although some grease is always left in the actual foot. I know  some may think this is unnecessary BUT I think it;s a good idea to remove all marrow The same method can also  be done on the marrow filled wingbone  if desired. The pics below show the two methods, if you don't use the hip attachment you can still blow the marrow out  rather than running wires down the bone. GOOD LUCK

[lmitchxray]

Sure do appreciate you taking the time to share your secrets with us. You have great work.
Thanks again

[BigSwede]

Thanks for sharing. Great. B S

[Rick RR GBirds]

Somehow, I always end up with 1/2 the marrow all over my face...yum says my wife!

[Doug Bridges]

Wingman,
I use the air method, but drill a second vent hole at the opposite end of the bone for the marrow to blast out of. Just cover the whole thing with a paper towel to avoid a nutritious snack.

The air nozzle is also a fast way to clear out a brain cavity in a bird skull.

[AliciaG]

Great tips Wingman.  I'll have to try that air method for removing marrow   Like Doug B I also use air to remove brains, it's so much faster!

[stuffinducks]

I agree with Doug B...I do the same thing drill a second hole (exit) and cover with paper towel. I also do wing bones (Ulna) the same way.

Good advice.

SD

[GSPmutt]

a couple pipe cleaners will work if you don't have or don't want to use forced air.