I'm REALLY,REALLY new to this and want the mounts that I do ( squirrel and other like sized critters for now ) to be good. Wouldn't just borax allow the hair to fall out on the mounts? Thanx!
P.S. What does "split the eyes" and "roll the nose" mean?
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Borax is an insect repellant and though many use it, I recommend that a good dry preservative be used instead if you aren't tanning the skin. Hair does not "fall out". Hair can be pulled out or hair, that's been severed underneath can come loose and fall out, but in the vein you are talking, only rotted meat beneath the skin will make that hair fall out. That's why lips and eyelids have to be split and the cartilage in the nose must be removed to insure no meat is stuck underneath. Those terms are the building block of taxidermy and they all relate to removing every vestige of meat from a hide.
BTW, IMHO, the squirrel is probably the most difficult of animals you'll ever tackle. Don't expect a miracle on your first try and don't be discouraged when it doesn't look like the live one in the woods when you're done. There are a lot of good book, pamphlets and videos out there on small game animals. I'd suggest you peruse a few before you start. Good luck.
I have gotten a few books on the subject of taxidermying small animals and have read them. Your clarification really helped out. I hope my 1st squirrel wil look half decent at least! 87)