I'm doing my first turkey and the head is all freezer burnt from being in the freezer to long and not wrapped. Can anyone tell me the best artificial heads to use. Also I don't have a fleshing wheel and I was wondering what the best way to do it by hand is. This is my turkey not a customers. I'm just getting in to taxidermy and I'm only doing it as a hobbiest for myself.
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Just keep looking around at pictures of artificial turkey heads, find the one that looks most like the original head and in the pose you want. Since your just beginning I suggest an already painted one.
First, post a message in the wanted section for a freeze dried head. You should be able to pick one up for around $40-50.
Second, I wouldnt try defatting a turkey without a fleshing wheel or pressure washer. I guess you could use a pair of scissors and carefully cut the fat away. It takes me about an hour on a fleshing wheel. Couldnt imagine how long to do one by hand. I havent used a pressure washer,but heard it works great. Use the orange button for more info on using the pressure washer.
has the best artificial heads that I have seen. That's not to say there aren't others but they look the best of the ones I have seen. There was an article in a Taxidermy Today (not sure which issue) about power washing/fleshing. Someone might be able to tell you for sure.
John, turkeys take some time fleshing by hand. I've had the luxury of a handmade box with just an ordinary electric motor. fine tuning it with a dimmer switch to vary the speed. I just could not imagine getting the jelly sack free'd up from a spring turkey. Fall birds aren't much better. As far as a replacement head, your best bet is to get one from Anthony Eddy www.aewstaxidermysupplies.com I think he has the most realistic heads availiable. I believe he also offers them painted to. Not sure, though, it won't hurt to ask. e-mail me if you have any ?, on making a homemade fleshing box.
Thanks for all the quick answers and the help guys. It's much appreciated
keep your freezer burnt head for hairs and small feathers to glue on to the artifical head.
for artificial, and already painted. McKenzie sells them. If you're interested in a regular "standing" freeze dried head, I've got a couple that are unpainted. I'd be interested in selling one or both to you, at a very reasonable price, if you're doing a standing pose. I can even paint them for you, for just a little extra. Email me and let me know.
Bill