Here's a beginners question. My book isn't very clear and I'm not finding anything in the archives. Does the U shaped wire that supports the tail stay on the outside and support the feathers, or does it go inside the skin and support the ends of the quills? How do I do this?
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You didn't say if you were using the wrapped body or a foam one...so I'll assume a foam body.
When you mount the bird, just before you close the incision, squirt some caulk into the tail slot you cut into the mannikin. Don't overdo it. When you have the incision closed, push the quills into the tail slot/caulk. Then use masking tape to hold the tail to the desired spread. Then put a "U" wire into the form to hold the tail at the proper angle until the caulk sets. Then, reove the tape and the wire and the tail will be as solid as a rock.