I have mounted a few woodducks and am having a problem with the "crown"? or at least the feathers at the back of the head that should stand away from the head. They always lay flat? What am I doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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terri
Look at alot of reference material. When woodys are at a relaxed state, the feathers will tend to lay "down" on the head.
It is very important to flesh the crown area on a woodie very well! Otherwise, your feathers will tend to be flat!
First as mentioned hte flesh under the crown area is thin but must be removed.
Second, starting at the beak, work the skin forward. You may need to put a bit of caulk under to help slide it forward.
Just start at the beak work the skin forward and pull it forward all the way to the down to include the neck skin being pulled forward.
Lastly make sure there is not any grease on the skin or feathers. normally I have to use to washings and three or four rinses to get the soap out.
I agree, get it degreased, clean its skin and feathers and rinse well. use some caulk between the skin and skull. Finally, be sure the feathers are good and dry including the downy underlayment and keep repositioning the feathers every day as needed until the caulk starts to get stiff. at that point it should hold the feather shafts or roots in place. Patience and perseverence and practice will get you great results. my best to you, woodie
Everything suggested here are right on the the money and great advice. The most important, I feel, was not mentioned and that is, if your head and neck are larger than the original you took out, you will not have the free flowing skin to be able to taxi it where it needs to be. I assume you are using an artificial head. It is very important to take measurments off of the original and tranfer those numbers to artificial head exspecialy on crested birds. If your head and neck are too big you are fighting a losing battle. Then make sure your head to neck union is correct. Once you get that matching the original, things will fall into place much easier.
Best of luck to you. I have been there and is sure is frustrating isn't it.