I would like to know the correct way to package mounted birds for mail shipment. I have tried large boxes ith packaging "peanuts" with less than successful results. Feathers were dented. Any hints would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Greg 12/20/05
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After trial and error this method works great for me. First off, when I ship birds, I used heavier support wires for a sturdier mount ( There is alot of vibration in planes and trucks). I use heavy duty boxes ordered from Uline, usually 16x16x16, and they are reasonably priced. I cut a piece of 1/8 in. plywood or paneling to the size of the bottom of the box. I center the bird on the paneling or plywood, keeping the head and tail away from the edges ( the bird is mounted on a piece of driftwood or base of your choice) and drill through the plywood and into the driftwood or base. I use 2 or three wood screws and washers to attach the bird and his base to the plywood. Then put the bird, and paneling down in the box, drill 4 holes on the outer 4 corners and secure the paneling or plywood using wood screws and washers coming in from the outside of the box.If the paneling isnt thick enough to hold the screws, just cut 4 small pieces of wood to run the screws into. I use no peanuts or packing material, the box is hollow! Watch the 2 inside lids when closing the box, make sure they cant work their way down and damage the head. If it looks like they can work their way down , and do some damage, cut that section away. I know it sounds like alot, but I have shipped over 150 birds damage free! I cant imagine how a bird would look after being packed in peanuts and shipped, but some people swear by that method.
If you use peanuts you must first shroud the bird with large sheets of light tissue paper. I like to use the paper that comes with my shipment of capes from New Method Tannery. If you don't cover the bird in paper the peanuts will work their way into the feathers and distort them. And fasten the mount to the box as mentioned above.
We ship a fair amount of birds, not one problem yet. cut two pieces of paneling same size as box and cut four 2 in by 2in corners and screw together almost like a box kite. screw bird to paneling. a little overboard maybe but we ship exotic pheasants this way. just charge for time and materials.