degreasing

Submitted by Barry on 4/30/06 at 9:38 PM. ( ) 207.69.137.24

I I trying to mount my first duck (bufflehead) I made my own flesher using a 1/25 hp motor that is 1500 rpm. The flesher is working great,but as it is breaking up the fat it is starting to get real runny and just spreading all over. How to I get the funny fat off of the feather tracks when it is running all over and just spreading

Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu


You are breakinup the fatty cells and

This response submitted by Matt on 4/30/06 at 10:20 PM. ( ) 207.69.139.148

that is what you want. When I'm done on the wheel, I take the skin to the sink and while it is still inverted, I wash the skin 2-3 times with dawn dish liquid. I apply it full strength and rub it in real good on the skin side. Rinse after each application. Then turn everything feather out and wash again atleast twice in dawn and warm water. Depending on the bird I am working with, I may wash again. The warm water is key, it will work far better than just plain cold. Hope this helps and enjoy.


Did you invert the skin as you defatted?

This response submitted by George on 4/30/06 at 11:54 PM. ( georoof@aol.com ) 205.188.117.67

That's what Matt is referring to and it will save you a lot of misery. I use Bloodout/Degreaser as it cuts the grease a little better and is a stronger soap. The stronger the soap, the cooler the water can be, but warm water is still a better choice. Still it requires multiple washings as Matt also described. I know Jon Stanley goes over his bird with a toothbrush to insure he washes out all the grease and fat.


Inverted

This response submitted by Barry on 5/1/06 at 8:25 PM. ( ) 207.69.137.37

What do you mean by inverting the skin


inverted skin

This response submitted by scott on 5/1/06 at 11:04 PM. ( ) 65.133.155.129

turn the skinned bird inside-out.


Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu