i figured that would get attention.first off i am a rookie at this.a guy came to me with an old owl mount.the tail fell off amd the skin ripped on the breast(the hole in the brest is the size of a coffe cup but it will pull together if i remove a little batting).i told him i would do what i could to fix it up a little but also told him he may want to find another one because that one had seen its better days.the bird was mounted in one piece.the tail wasnt removed.it had a wire loop under the tail for it to rest on.i tried to sew the breast but the skin is to brittle to hold a stitch.i was wondering if hot glue might do the trick.any advice?
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Hot glue or caulking are your best bets. Do not try and sew or pin it as you have found out.. the skin will just break. I would probably take a little initative and pump up the wing and leg joints with as much caulk as I could get through the pre exisiting hole in order to help stabilize the mount in the future.
Jon
Just out of curiosity, did you take into account that it is just slightly illegal to mount these birds now days? Sending him out to "find another one", just might make you and accessory to the crime. LOL
Seriously, the previous advise you received to fix the bird is correct. You should take the time(NOW) to inform both yourself and your customer of the legalities of the posession of these birds. BEFORE it's too late! Especially if you are in the US.
i do understand your concerns.the guy is a biologist and uses these for education.(and has a permit)ive read the laws but to be honest theyre hard for me to understand.i do plan on contacting my states fish and game office befor i take on the job of doing a new one for him.i hope they can explain it better than the books do.thanks for the help guys.