I am getting ready to do my first squirrel. I noticed alot of the forms have the teeth molded into them, even on the forms with the closed mouth. Do you guys put the teeth back on the mount or do you just close up the mouth and ignore the molded teeth on the form? I have never seen any artificial squirrel teeth advertised, So how would you go about using the real teeth and getting them out of the skull without breaking them? Any advise would be appriciated.
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When I'm using the teeth, I usually just cut the nose area off the mannikin completely. I skin the squirrel down around the nose from on top and take a pair of dykes and cut the top jaw completely off leaving the teeth intact and still attached to the top of the front lip. As the bottom teeth hide behind the upper, I skin the bottom lip out and leave the teeth in the skull to be discarded. When mounting, I then tuck the bottom lip, put a small ball of Critter Clay in the void I cut out of the mannikin, and then push the nose and top teeth into the clay. Then I finish tucking the top lip. With a small dental tool, I final adjust the teeth to the position I like and let dry.
I'll have to try that. How long will the real teeth last before they crack? Thanks for your help.
Had one for 30 years and they were still intact until fire destroyed them. I doubt they'll crack to the point of disintegration,however.
Get both of John Bellucci's videos from WASCO...he's the premier authority on Squirrels. The videos are clear Studio Quality tapes...show cloeup how it's done...plus tips never offered by others...on your screen with John as your teacher.
Thanks guys for your advise