I have been having a problem lately with the crest ( Head feathers on Woodie drakes). I am having alot of problems trying to get the crest feathers to lay properly.I mounted one for competition yesterday, and it about drove me nuts. It seems the white lined feathers seem cowlicky,( the fine white line above the eyes, gives me the most problems) and want to all point to one side. I have tried brushing a little water on the skin before I glue the head on. They have been washed and degreased properly, and the skin isnt dried out when I mount them. After mounting, I stand the bird up, get the wings in position, and taxi the skin in place. I usually work on the head last. Maybe the head skin is laying down against the back for to long, and the feathers want to stay in the direction in which they have been for an hour or so. I am going to try pulling the head up over the artificial neck, so there is no pressure on these feathers at all. Maybe I am on the right track here, any suggestions would be appreciated.
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using a cast head? if so sometimes if they are too big it can cause these feathers to get a little crazy because of the width of the head.i have with some success placed or injected a little caulk on top of the head between the eyes to hold this where i want it.but it seems sometimes it causes the matted effect as well.my guess would be the head is oversized.sorry for not much help here.
I think you answered your own question at the end! Try putting together your head before you sew the bird up. That is a high stress area. Once you get all the wires put in place, instead of sewing the bird up, go right to the head! The head will be less likely to dry out and lay correctly for you! Plus, are you putting a little caulk on top of the cast head? That will help greatly with grooming and getting the feathers to go where you want! Another trick I do, is during the mounting/putting together process. I always keep the head covered in a plastic bag with a small damp cloth insided the head. This will further help you in keeping the head from drying out...If that is your problem...Good Luck...Woodies are tough, but you will get it!