I'm tanning my first Grey Fox and after searching the topic it looks like slipping is a big problem with fox.
I dry salted the skin and i'm rehydrating it right now. I'm going to use liqua tan for the tanning . My question is, how long can i safely keep the skin in the pickle (oxalic acid}? I've read anywhere from 12 to 48 hours. This seems to be a big window of time and i'd like to do everything possible to avoid the slipping problem.
Any feedback on the subject would be appreciated.
thank you
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Once rehydrated and in the pickle, you shouldnt have slippage problems. A pickle is safer than a freezer. Actually when you talk about foxes being a slippage problem - its more the Reds than the Greys. Greys seem to do very well. As for Oxalic Acid pickling, this is a good pickling acid. I have safely kept skins in an oxalic pickle for 3 days to 3 months and have had no slippage. But - stir them every day and check the ph every 1-2 days to make sure nothing has changed. You'll be fine.
I forgot to add - the formula I used was 1 Gallon of Water, 1 Lb. of Salt, and 1 Oz. of Oxalic Acid. Ph = 1.5. Hopefully its the same one you are using!
You posted is what im using. Thank you for responding to my quetion,Bruce. I've kept deer, badger,coons etc, in the pickle for extended periods, but i was a little concerned about the fox.
thanks again, pat