I have this 9 yr old frozen teal thats in my freezer. For christmas I got a Van Dykes small duck taxidermy kit to start working on this mount. My question is for anyone: Am I going to be wasting my time on this project because the bird is so old and has probably alot of freezer burn? I have other critters in the freezer that I could work on like a mallard hen or a quail which is not as old. Since I am new to using these kits I figured that the teal would be a good one to work with first. Help!
Thanks, Kat
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freezer burn can be worked around using hydration techniques. The Frustration Index is higher when you you are beginning though.
Is there a certain process for this hydration technique? If so could someone give me some tips or a website to go to for information.
Thanks, Kat
Get an insulin syringe and start injecting around the base of the bill, the eyes, the joints of the feet and wings.. You'll see the toes plump up and the webbings will come back to life.
Let it set for about 15 minutes and then start again.
The bird will start to loosen up rather quickly.
You may have to go in and inject inbetween the individual primaries to get the wing to fully spread. But overtime it will
On a teal, I would NOT use warm water to inject, and I would let the bird stay in the refrigerator during the process. The bird does not have to be fully thawed when you start the process.. but the wings and legs should be moveable. Be careful around the face.. and inject between the skin and the flesh.. try not to get the facial feathers wet as they could be prone to slippage.
I would expect it to take about four sessions to totally rehydrate the bird.. but it may take more, it may take less....all depends on the bird.
Good Luck,
Jon
I really do not want to appear stupid but I rather ask before I asume. Can I go like to a Walmart store and pick up these needles that I need for hydrating my bird?
Jon, It's too bad you do not have a class in Oregon. Is there anyone that has weekend classes available in the Oregon valley on taxidermy for beginners? Thanks everyone for your information and help.