Hi my name is Tom, and I started doing taxidery becaues, one it intrest me, and two, I was really tired of paying good mouny for mediocer results. Its just a hobby and I only do work for friends, family, and favors. I hunt water fowl, and for that reason I am bird spicific. I believe I have reached the mediocraty stage, and to me the differnce between OK and good is that perfect feather set. You know, some taxidermist do birds that have nicely placed feathers, and the good ones can turn out a bird that looks like glass, where the feathers on the breast flow seamlessly like one outer shell, instead of thousands of feathers. If anyone could give me tips or secreates on how to accomplish this look, I would be very thankful
Thanks Tom.
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I use thin soft wire and carefully wind it around the finished bird dont pull it tight , just enough to close the feathers and then let it dry.
Ron
Most of time , if the feathers don't lay properly on the maniken it is because:
1. The feather groups are not in the right place.
A sound knowledge of anatomy and feather groups is needed.
2. Skin is pinched or distorted. Taxi skin not necessarily feathers.
3. The form is the wrong size or shape. Too big, Too small,
Too long, too short etc. Read the body you remove from the bird
4. Trying to create motion that is not possible. Re: Turning
the head too far. dislocating joints etc.
Probably the study of anatomy is the most important. Feather groups in most birds have the same function. Re: The scapulars in ducks serve to help keep the bird warm when standing or swimming. They do the same thing in many other types of birds, but not all, and not all to the same degree. Some species have very small scapular groups. These groups are also in the same place in many birds. The secondary feathers on the wings have coverts that shingle over them and the coverts have coverts also. Learn the names and function of different feather groups.
Some taxidermist's (Pat Rummins) have a nack for getting that smooth bird. But, I assure you he knows bird anatomy well.
Cheers, and hope to help
Tony