i am on my 2nd duck(ring neck). there is a LOT of fat on the bird, and i keep tearing little holes in it when fleshing. i do not have a wire wheel, but use wire brush, scissors, borax, fingers. AFTER READING 3 PAGES OF ARCHIVES, everyone says to take your time. i worked on it last night, put in refrigerator, worked for approx 1.5 hours this morning and am no where near done. any suggestions for a beginner? how long should this take me without the wheel? thanks
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I couldn't imagin fleshing a duck without a wire wheel...I'm sure there are those that would disagree with me. Don't worry about time, take your time and just get done the best you can. Good fleshing is about as important as it gets. When it's time to get serious, I would spend the money on a good bird flesher. I have the soft touch and I love it.
Try using a brush used for cleaning metal files. You should be able to get one from your local hardware store.
Keep the skin wet while fleshing. Use a spray bottle.Don't use the borax until you know most of the fat is off. Works for me. Just skinned a freezer burnt Woody what a .... job. Pat
GH, I was in your shoes...didn't have a wire wheel, didn't want to spend over $200 on a piece of equipment when I am just starting this hobby. Go to the beginners page and read my post. I made my own flesher for a fraction of the cost of a new one! I just finished a bird this morning, it took me about 30 minutes which I didn't think was too bad for my first duck....and it worked great!
Times always vary depending on the specimens spieces, size, fat content etc. When I used the scissor technique it took an average of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours average. Since you are a beginner you ARE going to put holes in the skin no matter what, unfortunately that is to be expected. Make sure you go with the grain of the quills, dont cut against them that will help. Its boaring and teadious but very necessary so take your time and you will figure it out after doing several specimens. Dont freak out on the holes to much right now im sure we all still put a few in them, just make sure you sew up the real bad ones. If you decide to stick with taxidermy then you should get a flesher, good luck.
If you can afford it, get yourself a wire wheel. Once you get used to using it, you will be able to flesh a bird in no time. You could have that Ring Neck done in less than an hour! Just don't get frustrated. Good Luck.