fish filler

[JE]

After getting my hands on a copy of the breakthrough reptile manual I plan on trying a few small lizards using the fish fill method,but the cost of shipping is putting me off  buying some fish filler the USA so what would you recommend I make some with ?
thanks
John

[Kerby Ross]

Although I have never used the fill method on reptiles I do know that you can use sheetrock mix/vermiculite and mix with water.  I use the 20 minute set on my sheetrock mix.  I use it on filling cracks in rock habitat.  I guess it would work on small reptiles, something I might try in the future.



Kerby...

[Joey P Holmes]

A mache with plaster, paper pulp, and some dextrin should work.

[JE]

Thanks for the replies , Kerby, Is this method an "old" fashioned way of doing small lizards ? I know that some of the breakthrough manuals could use updating somewhat  they still have some very good basics in them but from your answer I am left wondering if filling is not the way to go .
John

[Kerby Ross]

The bottom line is the end result.  Some people like to carve their bodies, some like to make a mold/cast of the animal, some like to do carcass casting, some may prefer to fill....it is the end result that matters.



Kerby...

[stuffenstuff]

Have an old bean bag?? 25% plaster of pairs (Lowes) (home depot) 75% foam bean bag balls...that's a light mix, if you want a more firm mix use 40% plaster of pairs and 60% saw dust.

If you need it to set FAST add a very small amount of ammonium alum. like 1/4 tea per gal water, mix will set it 5 min. if you don't use the ammonium alum you have an hour to 3.