I recently harvested some really tiny Rossy's because I like the really little guys cuz they are neat, and I mounted a bigger one about a month ago, and the artificial head I ordered was a little to big and I had a hell of time working with it until it fit, and this was a bigger Ross. What should I do for the really tiny ones, because i can't find any smaller heads than what i ordered, I really don't want to use the real skulls because of chances of bugs. Also, the bodies that I have been ordering from WASCO for the Rossy's are the size that you would want for snows, and my snow bodies are like small canada bodies, and I've double checked the product #'s 2x. I like a little smaller body myself, and I can't seem to find any accurate ones. Any help would be appreciated. Thanx, Dana
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All I can tell you is, if you're going to "depend" on ordering artifical heads and bodies for all your mounts. Then all you're going to do is have these problems. They just don't make all heads and form to fit every bird size. The real heads will be fine if you clean them, and rebuild them properly. You need to learn how to wrap, carve, or cast your own bodies. Quit depending on the suppliers all the time. Don't get me wrong, artifical heads and bodies are great for a lot of birds. But you need to learn how to do certain aspects of taxidermy for yourself. I don't care of you're doing fish, mammals, birds or even deer heads. Not all the forms you buy are going to fit exactly to your liking. It's just not going to happen. Some altering here and there will have to be done. I've used the real heads on my birds for ever. And never had problems with bugs. What do you think taxidermist did before they had artifical heads and bodies. Sorry but welcome to the real world.
Coyote
I personally think it should be a requirement that all taxi's know how to survive with minimal help from premade supplies. Birds are just like people..
Your nose probably isn't the same size as mine.. and I'm probalby fatter around the waiste than you are... Why should birds be any different?
J~
A alginate molding of the original will get ya there and if ya get 2 pours outa the alginate then proof one and make a rtv mold once ya do ya wont buy another.... .$.30 per head to pour your own and at about $10 a pop for the mold ya cant go wrong/
Measure your carcass(es) and look for a body with the same or even a bit smaller measurements. It doesn't have to be a "ross goose" body. Most bodies are interchangeable, ie. you can probably use a mallard body for the ross geese, ring neck for a wood duck, etc....
As for the heads...the store bought ones are cast from "average" size birds. If you have an extremely small (or large) specimen, you'll have to cast one yourself. It's not that hard using the silicone caulk method. Check the molding archives, there's plenty there to help.
Hey Coyote,
Thanks for the advice, but don't think for a minute that I don't know how to use the real heads, because I started on them and used them for years. And don't tell me to enter the real world, because I've paid my dues doing taxidermy and I'm smart enough to know to use the real skull if I have to, I was just wondering if they made smaller heads and bodies just out of curiosity. I'm a HOBBY taxidermist, not a professional, so maybe I'm just not up on as much as the professionals, but I'm trying to do this in my spare time of going to college. I've been doing taxidermy since I was 14,taught myself, and I'm now 20, so I think I know what I'm doing by now. And don't ask me what I think taxidermists did before fake heads. Taxidermy has been in my family for over 35 years, my Dad was the first taxidermist in north central Iowa to run a steady business and profit from it, so I should know how taxidermy used to be. I'm just trying to get better, I don't need someone making me feel less of a taxidermist just because I was curious about something. Now, I always appreciate a little constructive criticism, but I don't like it when someone is a smart ass because I always try to help other people if they need it, if I can help, and I really appreciate it when someone helps me. Dana
Thanks guys,
I always enjoy hearing other taxidermists ideas on issues like this, I was leaning in that direction, but I asked just to make sure that I was doing things right, I only get a chance at ross geese once in awhile here in Iowa, so I just want to do it right so I don't mess them up. Thanks for the advice.
Dana
I've read Coyote's response 4 times trying to see if I may have missed something where he could have possibly hurt your young college ass feelings and just can't see it you should apologize for being so arrogant.
Before you get your panties in a wad. I wasn't, in no way trying to imply or to put you down in anyway. Sorry you read my post the way it wasn't intended to be. But the way I read yours, was that you are depending too much on suppliers to do your taxidermy. I promise if I ever see you post anything on this forum again, I will not answer it. Since your the professional you are. I'll let the rest of the people here answer you. Have a great life.
Coyote
P.S. Dana, I forgot something.....Go SCREW YOURSELF!
Hey Coyote,
Sorry if I got a little hostile with what I said. I just misinterpreted what you said, I should have thought about it more before I posted that. I tend to jump to conclusions too quickly and it was wrong of me. Sorry for any hard feelings, and you were right, I shouldn't depend too much on suppliers, and I guess maybe this was a good wake up call to me to get my stuff together and figure some stuff out on my own. Anyway, I hope there are no hard feelings.
Dana