Frozen snake for casting.

[Damon]

I have been handed a grey banded king snake that has been frozen for a number of years. I have been asked to skeletonize it and also to cast it. it seems in good condition but my question is it is a little kinky and flat in some areas where it was frozen on itself and folded over. it is defrosted but still wants to hold these kinks and folds. is there a good way to relax it and try to give it a life like shape.
that and is there any good reference material for moulding and casting reptiles/amphibians and or fish that someone can point me in the direction of. This specimen has made me realize that I have a few Very interesting frozen exotic snakes and lizards as well that would be better served to mould and cast (or mount) than simply re-articulate. Waste not right?

I'll post a picture of what I mean by "kinked up" tomorrow.

Cheers.

[Damon]

Here it is and you can see that it is rather Kinked the entire length of its body. It also seems to be thicker and thinner in some places where it has been frozen and bent.

[Kerby Ross]

That is not a gray banded kingsnake but rather it is a durango mt. kingsnake.  I have bred both of those species.

For molding purposes you would need a better specimen as your cast reproduction will show all the defects on the snake when molding even a slight dent or bump.



Kerby...

[Damon]

Thanks for the identification on that Kerby. Too bad... it's a pretty snake. guess I'll just take some reference photos and go about mounting the skeleton. The guy who owned it said it was straight and smooth when alive.... but it sure isn't now.

[jeremy]

Damon what you really ought to do is still cast it to make a casted mannikin and then rebuild or sculpt it into shape and skin mount it before you finish out the skeleton. That is a pretty snake and since it appers to be in great shape it would be a shame to waste its skin

[Damon]

Damon what you really ought to do is still cast it to make a casted mannikin and then rebuild or sculpt it into shape and skin mount it before you finish out the skeleton. That is a pretty snake and since it appers to be in great shape it would be a shame to waste its skin

Jeremy, The skin is in great shape but I have never mounted anything before. What, in your opinion, is going to be my best bet for resource material that I can order online? I have no problem spending money to learn. Any advice would be great, especially for different sized lizard, colubrids and constrictors. I have skinned and tanned a few reptile hides just because it seemed a waste to through them out but I don't know if I have done them properly or not.
Cheers

[jeremy]

Breakthrough reptile Manual is full of good info although some is a outdated due to newer products on the market, also hands down Tom Voyers DVDs that he has out will get you informed. I believe Kastaway productions is doing them. Do a search and you should fins a link to them.

 Another meathod would be to build a epoxy sculpt mannikin for this snake instead of casting it and skin mount. Tom has a DVD for that also.

[Damon]

Thanks for all your help Jeremy, I'll take your advice and get on finding your recommendations.
Cheers.