Submitted by Mark P on 2/28/1999. ( rainshadow@earthlink.com )
I have looked over the other forums and don't see any posts that answer my questions. If I have overlooked something, I'm sorry, just direct me to the proper post. I really want to thank the more experienced people for taking the time to answer questions and give advice. I have already gained a wealth of information from this forum that I hope to put to good use on some specimens that I have collected over the winter.
1) I ordered a squirrel kit from a supplier. With the kit, I got a small block of clay. Does this clay harden when it dries? I assume I am to use it around the eyes to form the upper and lower eye lids, and just wanted to know in case I needed to make allowances for tucking the skin.
2) What is the best way to preserve squirrel feet? None of the books that I have address this. I have no problems with skinning coyote and bobcat toes, but I am looking at how small the squirrel toes are and thinking that I could make a real mess of them.
3) Also in this kit was a powdered "eye setting" material. In one of the books that I have it says to use clay. What is the best method of the two?
Thanks again to all who contribute here!!
Mark
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This response submitted by Bob C on 2/28/1999. ( bobswildlife@webtv )
Mark, The "eye setting" powder you got was probably mache. I prefere to use clay when setting the eyes. To mount the feet on a squirrel, skin the foot out to the toes and leave the toe bones in the skin. A couple of months ago I would have told you to inject them with formaldehyde but there is something new on the market. Its a formaldehyde substitute. Its still an aldehyde but not a carcynegin. I've been using this stuff for a while now and it works great. It will be going on the market in March. I understand WASCO will be carrying it. All you have to do is inject each toe with this stuff mixed with some Elmers glue. This will keep them plump and preserve them. Bob C
This response submitted by John G on 3/1/1999. ( )
Hi Mark,
Check out "Squirrel Toe Shrinkage" in Lifesize Mammals.
Good Luck,
John
This response submitted by John Bellucci on 3/1/1999. ( ArtistExpr@aol.com )
Hey Mark,
I've transferred this response from the category noted above by John G.
This question was made just for me! The best product I have discovered for full plumping of the toes of squirrel, chipmunk, weasel, mink, and other like-sized mammals, is Polytranspar Fin Backing Cream. This comes in a caulking tube, and is applied using a cauking-gun.
You will also need to purchase a pack or two of 1cc "insulin" or "tuberculin" syringes. These can generally be purchased at most pharmacies, even those located in the larger grocery store chains (Kroger, etc.).
Just let them know that they are for taxidermy purposes, for injecting toes and such. You will have to sign a form for each time you purchase them.
The reason you need many of theese syringes, is because with the needle tip being so small and delicate, they will have to be replaced usually after each foot is done.
Using them is easy. Pull the plunger out of the barrel of the syringe, and place the tip of the fin backing cream tube up against the syringe barrel opening.
Gently squeeze in an amount of the cream till almost full. Replace the plunger into the syringe barrel, and allow some to exit the needle tip to make sure it flows. Back plunger a bit to stop flow.
Starting at the base of the toe - where it meets the foot - inject the fin backing cream into the toe. Let it overplump somewhat. Do the rest of the toes the same.
Next, go into the toes from their tips, and inject these in the same manner.
Be sure to place the needle tip just under the skin of the toes, and be carefull not to block the tiny needle opening by pressing it into the internal bone structure.
Always over plump the toes, because as the moisture dissapates from the product, some shrinkage will occur. This is okay because by overplumping the toes, they will shrink down to a normal size.
You can also work the toes to shape over the first 2 or 3 days making them correct, using good references. I sell those :)!
You can also use this product and method to plump the foot pads of the paws and feet.
This is the stuff I use for small mammal feet, and although it takes a little doing, it is unbeatable for producing full and lifelike feet - and safely to boot!!
Give it a serious try, and best of luck to you... John B.
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