what gauge wire should be used for a two legged standing wooduck
mount? and whats the easiest way to insert the leg wires without ripping the hell out of the skin? Does anyone else have trouble with woody skins ripping?
thanks, tom
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I would use a 12 or 14 ga, wire.
to get the wire through the leg joint I wrap the knuckle in a napkin and crush the joint with a set of linemans pliers.
some of the bird guys may not like this but it works fine for me.
Really doesnt distort the leg and the napkin absorbs a lot of oil and juice
wire that is sharpened real shapr and insert it tthrough the hollow of the leg through the the knee and also through the heal into the middle toe, come out in the center of the middle toe.
Just be sure the wire is really shapr so that it will go trough the joints easyer.
make a small incision in the heel and pull out the tendons with a small hooked tool, I like to use croche hooks I bought in the crafters isle at wally world. there should be 5 tendons, then slide wire up leg, 14 guage should be plenty for woodduck, make sure wire has sharpened end to slide easier under skin and to poke through the body.
Cut the 14 Ga wire at an angle so it has a sharp jaged edge. I used to sharpen the wires on a wheel to a needle point, but it sticks in the tendons and is actually more difficult to get through. when you get to the end of the scales squeeze the joint with your fingers. this will help guide the wireunder the heel joint. (where the feathers start. The jaged cut wire works well to get through the leg if it gets stopped turn it one time and it should go on through. I don't recommend taking out the tendons. That is old school and it makes the legs shrink more.when the wire gets to the heel joint turn the skin inside out and guide the wire so you don't go through the skin.
I found a product that works great for bird feet.. Quite toxic though,
It's called 'cavity 50'. Its a green embalming fluid used in motuaries. I put it in with an insulin needle, pumps the feet up well and they harden to a degree but they still look great over a year later and still going. I obtained the stuff from a relative who runs a funeral home . The Dodge company supplies it. -- Nasty smelling stuff. stings the nose bad, Wear a respirator mask, goggles, and surgical gloves! I also use it after skinning and degreasing ducks on the pygostyle( tail roots) I wouldn't use it entirley inside a cleaned skin... hardens up quickly I found out! Works good inside the small Meat area in wings that are a pain to skin out. If I could find a major artery in a bird I suppose I would try actually embalming it as an experiment! The dodge Co. sells embalming pumps too! Only kidding . Has any one else had experience with mortuary fluids?