I'm about to try my hand at a Ringneck Pheasant mount. I need some advice before I order my supplies...
1. For feet injection, which would be better, Epo-Grip Injectable or Preserv-It?
2. Do I want powdered borax or dry preserve?
3. Any opinions on which is an easier first mount- flying or standing?
Thanks for the help! PatrickR
Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu
I dont see much difference in the Borax and DP.
A flying mount there is a lot of work and preening in either, but a good standing bird seem harder to me.
You are in for a fun experience. In reading my response, remember that there are any number of satisfactory answeres to each questions - particularily ones like you pose - which is the best? For Pheasant feet, I use a combination of glycerine and formalin - mixed half and half. Works great on pheasant feet. Remember when you inject the solution plug each the needle hole with a pin so the fluid does not immediately drip out. As for Epo-Grip and preserv-it - I know folks who prefer them. The mixtrure I mentioned is available locally and I can get it cheaper. The question about Borax or dry preserve is equally based on opinion. I use them both - dry preserve drys very fast - I prefer a little more working time so I mix borax with my tumbling mixture and dust the skin with it again just before sewing. Again, Borax is inexpensive comparably and I can get it at the grocery store. Be very careful with Borax and dry preserve if the bird feathers are black - it is hard not to get the white powder on the feathers. I would find the standing mount "easier". Fewer wires to mess with and reference material is readily available for various standing mounts. It is also somewhat easier to groom. I would also encourage you to purchase a video from any of the larger suppliers and observe how a pheasant in a standing pose is done. It can be very educational and it is a lot easier to watch than have a person explain it to you. Good luck.
Use borax on the pheasant and similar the dry preservatives will cake up on you and won't work for birds