I was given the wonderful gift of a large frozen Timber Rattler and can't wait to get started. Since I am very new to taxidermy, I want to make sure I have as much info. as possible before I start,so I purchased the Tom Voyer video on mounting venomous snakes. I was left with a couple of questions that were left out of the video. First, he mentioned washing the skin. When is this done and with what? Second, he stated he didn't like to place the eyes in the manikin prior to mounting the skin. The reason made sense to me, however, he never went back to when and how to place the eyes or how to measure for the appropriate eye size. Can someone please help me or tell me where to get the info. I know, I know, probably in the archives.
Thanks!
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I could tell you how i do it but you have his tape going by it so i would go his way he will be glad to help ya his address is Tomvoyer@cox.net let me know if i can help futher Robin Kirkland Taxidermy
Lesley hello! Use DAWN dish detergent to wash the skin after it is all fleshed out and ready to mount. Then tamp it dry with papertowels and then apply the preservative. As for the eyes, if you are using a commercial mannequin. it will state the eye size needed for the form along side the item number in the catalog. If you are carving your own form, use calipers to determine the eys size by measuring the socket. An average Tiber rattler of 4-5 feet long will takea 7mm eye on the average. Sorry it was left out ofthe videoo, will coverall that and finishng in the next video. Hope the video was enjoyableand helpedyou ouy. And thanks robin for the mention!
Tom
the introduction, the methodology, the history of taxidermy of a snake are im looking for?