Baby Nile Crocodile

[ElephasMaximus]

Hello everybody,
I've got this little guy yseterday, 50 cm long. It came from a breeder (and there can be more, hope they'll grow a bit bigger )
Unfortunately it was already gutted, with wrong-placed cuts, so the underside is pretty damaged, but not too bad for a mount.


Skinning will be completed tomorrow (skull & mouth), i left some bones in tail tip and last phalanxes of toes.
Now, a question: how long it takes to tan such a thin skin (in alcohol/glycerol mix)? Doesn't it shrink in a week?
Thanks for replying

[bearrug]

Where did you get that tanning recipe ?

[ElephasMaximus]

Well, it's a standard recipe for reptile skins, in the case when special chemicals are unavailable. Besides salting, of course.

[ElephasMaximus]

Progress pics:



I used jumping clay for the form (skin mounted & sealed on half-dry clay) wire is inserted in spine/tail and legs.
Clay balls are keeping eyelids in right position.
I will make the upper jaw after installing glass eyes (need to be purchased from abroad )
Also the skin in mouth corners will be restored, and the mouth painted.

[trbruning]

looks pretty good from what you had to work with

[ElephasMaximus]

Thanks This is my first reptile mount.
The underside is actually quite a mess, because skin didn't come together well, and some clay is visible.
Next ones will be much better, anyhow.

[Clara D.]

I love him! He's just adorable. Awesome for your first reptile.

[Tohickon]

glass eyes (need to be purchased from abroad


Why?  You can get eyes right here.  We do unusual sizes, colors, etc. all the time.

[Cole]

glass eyes (need to be purchased from abroad


Why?  You can get eyes right here.  We do unusual sizes, colors, etc. all the time.

If they are in Russia, wouldn't that make you "abroad"?