Where do I start? Crocodile belly skin

I'm originally from the U.S. and moved to a farm out in the "bush" in Jamaica about 6 months ago (Oh, the things love will make you do!)

We have a fish farm and have a real problem with crocodiles, and although it is technically ummm.... not kosher, we need to dispose of them on a fairly regular basis.

I believe in using whatever we kill, so I always harvest the tails for meat.

Now I am interested in using the belly skins to make things for myself, like a handbag, PDA case, wallet, etc.

Is it unreasonable for me to expect that I could learn to do this myself? I don't have the faintest idea of where to begin, though I have been reading many posts on here about tanning.

This morning we got a mid-sized croc and I had one of the workers take off the belly skin for me. I don't have a clue about what to do with it now! I had him tack it to a board and put it in the sun.... Is this the first step?

I am also interested in using any other parts of the crocs for any useful purpose - food, household items, etc. and any advice there would be great.

I can't ship the skin anywhere, as that would probably cause me trouble, so I want to learn what to do myself.

Thanks!

Jenny in Jamaica
jennifer@epages.cx
www.longvilleparkfarms.com

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Look at this link

http://Rittelsupplies.net/

Maybe he can help or give you some additional direction.

Jenny

If crocodiles are protected where you are at, I would not want to be caught in the possession of their skins or meat, if were you. Unless you don't mind spending some time in a Jamaican jail.

Tanning a crocodile/alligator hide suitable for making purses, belts, etc. takes special equipment. Rittel is not going to give you a garment tan. You are better of sending it out to a tannery, but only if those crocs are legal.

Evelyn

"Legal" is a fluid thing in Jamaica. I know it is strange to people from the U.S. There are local police who come to the farm and help us hunt the crocs! As far as legalities go, I know that I can't ship the skins outside of Jamaica. Inside the country though, they are protected on paper only.

Just wanted to get that out of the way! I'm certainly not interested in any commercial endevour... just wanting to not waste what I don't have to. We kill maybe 6-8 a year.

We also raise sheep here, and I want to look into using the skins from the ones we butcher. I think right now they are just discarded.

I will check to see if there are any tanneries here on the island.

What is the difference between different types of tanning? What would the products from Rittel do?

Thanks,

Jenny in Jamaica