Before I start I have been through the orange button thing. I just received a mallard from my son to practice on and was wondering what the best tan to use is. I did a pheasant with borax and although it looks ok, I am a perfectionist and prefer tanning. I bought the Breakthrough Bird Mounting book and the problem I am having is I can't find 1/2 the stuff in the WASCO catalog even though that is the brand in the pictures. Can someone give me a quick suggestion on the best method to tan ducks and turkeys. I have one of each in my freezer. Thanks in advance,
mike
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There is reasonable debate on whether there is any material advantage associated with "tanning" a bird skin. I personally do not tan bird skins, borax has worked fine for me for years. I have not seen evidence supporting that tanning makes the skin last longer, repels bugs better, makes mounting easier, hold the feathers better and etc. A properly cleaned and degreased bird skin, treated with borax will look good and last a long time. Good luck in what ever way you choose.
Like Clewis said, there really is no reason to tan any bird skin if you have done your job properly fleshing and washing. I've even had top people in the field of avian taxidermy tell me they don't even use the borax any longer as it really serves very little purpose other than a mild bug deterrant. Personally I still use it.. forces of habit I guess.
Anyhows.. most bird skin is thin enough that it will dry up to nothingness in such a short period of time that tanning is not necessary, now when you move up to excessively thick skinned birds such as Ostrich or emu.. then you would consider tanning as a precaution against rotting.. However... I've seen Ostrich that weren't tanned and are just as pretty as day one 10 years later.
Jon
He swears it helps toughen up the skin. He uses it on his turkeys. James Edgar Authentic Taxidermy Supply has it.
Todd B