Clients dog tore apart turkey tail when he left it laying out, deferosted in the back of the truck. Washing tumbling and steam have rescued the 18 fan feathers nicely.
1. how do I hold those 18 feathers in place. Right now it is a beautiful fan sitting on the table, as long as no-one turns on a fan! I tought bondo, or magic smooth. Anyone have this happen to them before?
2. I will need to get my hands on a piece of back skin plumage for the base of the fan. Where do I find this item. Anyone got any spare parts out there.
Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu
I use to, (Don't any more now that I know more) take each feather out, clean the quill of the feather in thinner, and then place on a cardboard box. Arrange the feathers like they should be and then take a hot melt glue gun and spread it on thick. The hot melt glue goes between the feathers and holds it great. just remember that the second row of feathers overlay in the opposite direction.
Two or three years ago, this process was detailed out in the turkey call mag. I can't remember which issue. Good Luck!
Coach
bondo will work well. you already have the feathers layed out the way they should be so you have half the battle won. now just put some plastic under the quills and go for it. it will be harder and more sturdy than hot glue and you wont blister your fingers trying to get the shape you want. you can carve it to shape as it sets. do it front and back and you will be set.
good luck
brice
Put some masking tape on them to hold them in place and then apply Bondo around the quills. Trim if needed while it's semi-hard.
As for spare parts .... hmmm. I have some various turkey bits, but don't know if it's what you need. Email me if interested.
Nancy M.
Just use the glue. I'm not an expert, and only mounted two turkey fans but the Hot glue method works great. Not near as messy as bondo and easier to do.
good luck