I found a blue wing teal couple weeks ago and desided I was going to try mounting it instead of just skinning, so I shot a pigeon to practice on. Since I have only skinned birds and tanned the hide by letting borax dry the skin, i am pretty new at anything else. So I took the pigeon, skined it our and packed it with borax and cotton and made a false body out of bound newspaper, then I sewed it back up anf positioned the bird the way I wanted etc. Anyway, I have been reading a little about the hides and feathers on here. I never washed the hide or anything. So I have the bird mounted and dried, the feathers look horrible, and i have not a clue how to make it look any better. Can I have help with this problem and tips for doing my next pigeon before I start my duck?
Thanks, Lisa Marie
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You have a lot to learn about taxidermy. I don't do birds yet and I know better then to do what you discribed. There is a wealth of information to be had by reading the archives on this forum. I would also recommend a good video or even a poor one would get you started on the right track. Birds require alot more then what you described to mount properly. Don't get discouraged this stuff is far from easy but it is very rewarding if done right. Good luck Jack F
... Pigeons and doves have a defense where they can "lose" feathers when attacked, for this reason they may be plentiful but not easy to work with.
How about less critisizm and more help, I mean, I am learning here, its not like I am trying to be a show taxidermist or even one for profit, I just figured it be nicer to have mounts instead of skins on my wall!
Lisa
anyone criticize you? Jack gave you a straight up response and he gave you some encouragement. Now take his advice and go to the archives, better yet get a video or Breakthrough bird manual.
If your short on cash hit the Library you can probably find some taxidermy books there
Hehehehe
The Ole Elwood advised the use of pigeons for beginers..Ohwell Look at it this way IF you are able to skin it without all the feathers comeing out you've done well...
I figure from doves to turkeys its a learning ordeal every day..Heck I am skinning a turkey that a client gutted,and left the intestines tangled all over the bird's feet and tail end,,,.
Can you Sweeeet!!
Isn't it funny how ignorance and errogance go hand in hand!
Just like anything PRACTICE and time will bring ya there...
At least when compared to doves. Teal are a whole 'nuther matter, though. They are difficult even for experienced taxidermists.
The advice given so far is all very good. If nothing else, go to a library and check out as many books on taxidermy as you can find. Videos would be even better, as would be subscribing to Breakthrough Magazine.
Bird taxidermy is NOT easy to do well! It is expensive to have done because it is time-consuming and requires a lot of skill and practice, not because taxidermists are greedy.
Lisa,
This to me is like going back to school. Some people will tell you what
and how to do things, and others will tell you to check your referances.
What we all need to do is take the advise and also the critisism as constructively
as we can without getting upset.So without being longwinded stick with it
and in the end even if things don't turn out to be perfect, make sure you
gave it your best effort. In the end you in turn will be giving advise to others.
Lisa, I am sorry if I sounded mean. I really had nothing but good intentions when I wrote that post. It kind of reminds me of when I did my first bobcat. I had waited about a week for my buddy to show up and get me started (he has about 20 years at it) but as it was I could wait no more. I mounted the cat and he showed up a few days later. Well he went over that cat about 10 minutes and never said a word. Then he said do you want the harsh truth or should I lie. You know my answer. Well when he got done bashing that cat I had recieved one of the best lessons in taxidermy I have had to date. He couldn't believe I wasn't mad at him but instead I was excited to learn what he had to say about the mount. Just like going to the shows I look forword to it for the learning I will recieve. Take care and good luck in your venture I am sorry if you took what I said to be mean. Jack F