Hello all. Getting ready to start my first Turkey. I've seen many posting in this forum and in the Archives that suggests 6 gauge wire for Turkey legs (for a standing bird). The largest WASCO had was 8 gauge. Will that work? I also got a couple of 3/16 inch rods at Lowes. I can't imagine how I'm going to bend those, let alone get them through the legs without showing.
Am I good w/8 gauge or should I get the 6 gauge from another source?
As always, thanks for your advise
pat
Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu
Pat use the larger wire if your bird s going to be standing. afterbyou skin the bird and remove the meat from the legs, you will see a large tendon on the back of the knee joint. Sharpen your wire and push it down the center of that tendon. You may need to use a pair of vicegrips to get enough leverage to get it through. Be careful when the wire reaches the base of the foot that it doesn't poke out the heel area. Exit the wire through tne third pad back from the end of the toe and push it through as needed. After you get the legs attached you can cut the extra off leaving enough to fasten to your base and thread the end with a 3/16-24 die from the hardware store. then you can use nuts to fasten to your base or temp. drying stand.Now if you are doing a pose other than standing then you cvan use a smaller gage wire. for fliers we use 12 ga. which allows us to bend as needed and still gives support.
Use the 3/16 rods for the legs if it's for a standing mount. Sharpen the end of the wire or what I think works better is snip the wire off at an angle with bolt cutters. Cut a little slot on the bottom of the foot then put the rod in a drill and run it up through the leg till it comes out the top. You don't have to remove the tendons. Go slow and guide the wire up through the leg. Be carefull around the spurs. A drill works better then trying to push the rod by hand. Bending it is alittle tough but will give you a stable mount. Good luck
I might just add that bending the wire works best when you're in the mood to expel unwanted anger.. Sometimes you just have to get mad at it!
I have also found it easier when attaching the legs to the form if you have removed the legs alltogether and attach them seperately.. Then you can use more adequate tools such as a vice and heavy pliers to bend and cinch the wire over and back into the form.
Did I ever mention that I really HATE turkeys!
Have fun,
Jon
Thanks guys. Great advise.
Now if someone can just tell me how the heck to get all that crap out of the crop area I'll be a happy camper! I worked on that Bird seven hours Saturday and am now fighting with that stuff, UGH! I've tried pressure washing and wire wheel. UGH (again)!
I'm heading to the archives to see if it's been addressed already. If not I'll be asking you guys for some more help.
Again, thanks for your responses and help.
Pat