I'm just begining and going to do a flying bufflehead today. However, I forgot to get a measurement on the neck when I skinned it (rookie mistake). I also ordered the McKenzie ferebee flying kit to mount with and they send you a Shoveler neck in the kit, and it looks pretty big (mostly long). My question would be, what is a common length for a flying bufflehead neck. I'm sure I'll come close when the mounting starts, but just trying to get some input first. Thanks... RICH
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The last 2 bufflehead drake necks I measured were 4" and 4 1/8". The last hen I measured at 3 7/8".
The measurements were taken from the base of the skull to the last vertebrae that moves when you lift the neck up (ie. where the neck enters the body).
You didn't say if it was a drake or a hen. You could get by with a 4 inch neck for a hen and a 4 1/2 or even 4 3/4 inch neck for a drake. If you make your neck the proper shape (egg shaped) the diameter should be around 5/8". Don't forget that "S" shape or it'll be too long.
For birds that you have no clue about you can make a good "guess" as to neck length by installing the neck and head in the bird. Put the body in and and run the neck wire. If its too short the neck will LOOK short and if its too long the neck will be stretched out and LOOK too long. If I've made this sound way too simple that's because it is--relax and have fun.
Good luck!
I believe a general rule is that the neck is around 3/4 the length of the body.
off the top of my head, I'm thinking i like to go 3 to 3-1/2. but really all you need to do is leave extra and then cut excess off until it looks right. most seem to leave necks too long
good luck
Good advice Mimes.. As a general rule the neck is just under the length of the body by about 1/4 total length. Wrap the neck out of cotton and leave the body end a little loose, and you have "scrunch" room if you find it has been made too long.
Jon~
Thanks for all the great AND QUICK advice. This site is AWESOME!
i always keep the neck and body and freeze them until the bird is completel done so if i need reference i will have it, very very very helpful if something doesnt work or fit i skin and then freeze my birds and then do all the other work at a seperate time