Let me start by saying that I don't do many birds . I had a friend bring me a turkey that had shot out tail feathers and a bald spot on the wing.(2"by 3",briars) The tail feathers were no biggy but the bald spot on the wing really bothered me . They were the small downy feathers towards the front middle portion. I checked the archives and it seems most bird guys have replacement skins at their disposal. I din't have and he thought he knew someone who would do a full strut mount for $275 . I sent it down the road . My question is. What is the best way to deal with these kind of dilemna's ?(bald spots without replacement skins) And remember,I'm in the beginners category so mercy would be appreciated! Thanx Jeff F.
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Rookie;
I would have told your friend that since the wing needed replacing, that I will have to freeze the bird until I could find one, but it might take some time. There are plenty of turkey wing around you could purchase. And I would have charged extra for the expense. Actually you just lost out on some money. As a matter of fact I charge $500.00 for a mount on a plain base, and $750.00 for one with a habitat base. If you figure out your expense, labor,and utilities. Your not making $5.00 an hour to mount that bird.
I know a lot of people think we can perform miracles, when they bring in the animals and birds all shot up. And if they want the work done correctly then they're going to have to pay. Maybe your just a rookie, but why send money down the road, when you could be putting it in your pocket. If your still new at something I would practice on the species before you take it in.
Coyote
Sometimes you just have to turn down work ,Like coyote say some people think we can do miracles ,not all birds are trophies and no all animals are trophies,I know is hard to turn down work when you first start, but believe me at the end you will do well to your reputation to work on good specimens,$275 for a turkey is way to cheap, I have never done one in under 40 hours of work.
You can buy turkey wings off of Ebay. There are almost always some for sale on there. You can cut out a matching section of skin and glue the whole thing in place or you can pull out the needed feathers and glue them in. Tails are for sale on there, too.
Another possibility is to tell the customer that, because his bird is damaged, it won't look its best in all poses. The damage you describe would not have shown if the bird were done as a standing wall mount. (Either perched or strutting on a limb that hangs on the wall.)
I agree with those above when it comes to your prices. Even wholesalers can get over $400.00 for a turkey.
Theres two options. You tell the guy that this is not a great candidate for the money spent for taxidermy. Period. You will be the reason why the mount doesnt look good long after he forgot that HE damaged that bird. Second, if you choose to do it anyway, we have a whole turkey season ahead of us, replacement birds are still out there!
Your thoughts are all good points to reflect upon...but to those who misread, please do see that I said he knew someone who would do a full strut for nothing . I wouldn't touch it for under $400. And thats without habitat, and assuming the bird was in decent condition. I didn't even attempt, worried about trying to keep my good rep. with already established customers. Guess I should have known there would be a solution waiting to prevail . Taking the hard knocks right now. And Yoxy, great to hear your perspective,exactly what I was implicating from the start. Thanks for the thoughts to all. Jeff F.