Maceration Step by Step

[RedWolf7]

Great thread!  I like to separate my body parts to keep organized - left front leg in one bucket. right rear leg in another, etc.  Up to now I've simmered or bugged everything. I've never tried maceration before, and I must say the smell would knock you down.  But I'm doing it without lids, entirely outside. It's certainly more convenient to toss everything into buckets outside!   

[RedWolf7]

Do any of you drill small holes in the long bones and in the lower jaw to allow the degreaser to penetrate better?  I find it helps a lot.  I like to use organic solvents like varsol (auto parts store) or hexane (waste at work).  I soak overnight, pour off the yellowed solvent into the collection drum in the morning, then replace with  more.  Repeat until solvent stays clear.  It strips them really clean of oils/fats/greases in just a few days. 

[Wolfwoman]

I never have, but I know some people do.

[roundman81]

Do any of you drill small holes in the long bones and in the lower jaw to allow the degreaser to penetrate better?  I find it helps a lot.  I like to use organic solvents like varsol (auto parts store) or hexane (waste at work).  I soak overnight, pour off the yellowed solvent into the collection drum in the morning, then replace with  more.  Repeat until solvent stays clear.  It strips them really clean of oils/fats/greases in just a few days. 

Any idea how much you're spending per head/skull? What do you do with the collection drum when full?

[RedWolf7]

There are local collection sites for waste solvents like paint thinner, etc. It would wreck our groundwater to just dump it on the ground.  A lot of people in our area (self incl) are on well water.   I'm estimating it takes about a quart total of varsol for a skull the size of a fox, to allow for repeat changes of solvent.  Ranched foxes are especially fatty. Walmart has it cheapest.  It really strips all the grease out. 

The vet school teaches this technique in their skeletal prep class.  They have the students wrap the body parts in cheese cloth, tie shut with twine, then boil in huge commercial cooking drums overnight.  These drums are so big you could get in one yourself!  They do boil, however, not simmer.  I lost some nice young fox skulls this way.  I like simmering my own in a large pot better, but I think I'm going to like the maceration even better than that!

[ashx2]

Hello, I've read through the pages of this thread and do not fully understand a couple of things.

What's the purpose of the plastic bags?  I am assuming it's to keep things separated.  Also, does the submerging discolor the antler tines?

Thanks from a beginner!

Greg