Hey guys looking for a lil info. after skinning the bird (ducks and geese) i refreeze it. whenever i have time i take it out, and begin to wash and mount. i usually use a warm water and dawn wash, then a coleman fuel rinse. after i blowdry it and mount the bird,the feathers are decent, but i wish they would fluff. they are usually somewhat flat, and i was wondering how i can make then more fluffy without using a tumbler. i do my best to proberly flesh the bird. any hints or tips would be appreciated. sry for the length (im a beginner by the way)
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Mitch you can put the bird in a bag hardwood saw dust or corncob grit and shake it around for a while. I did that for a while untill I got my tumbler. hope that helps.
the down is completely dry. If it's notthe bird will look flat and blotchy.
does the wash water look clean on you final wash?
how much left over5 stuff is in the gas rinse?
is the bird fleshed completely? It may look like its good, look close and make sure, use a brush in the washing process and brush the skin. you want all the fat and connective tisue gone between the feathers.
the wash process is very important, take your time.
lastly, DON'T USE WHITE GAS, IT DOES NOTHING. use soap and water only and put it in the wash machine on spin to remove excess water.
Epo-Grip is an ecellent product for degreasing birds.
Good luck keep the questions coming,
K.T.
You are doing right by washing in dawn and warm water... I use hot water/dawn as an initial wash. I let the bird sit in it for no more than 5 mins. Then, I wash again in lukewarm water/dawn. This time I let it sit at least 10-15mins. Then, I rinse in cold water. I put the bird in a 3gal bucket and run it full of water and let the water overflow the top for a few moments. Then, I dump out the water and repeat until absolutely NO SOAP residue is left...then I rinse once more. AS K.T. said, all the washing in the world is no good unless the bird is 100% well fleshed with all fat and connective tissue removed. Since you are just beginning, try fleshing it until you think it looks done, then wash, then go back and flesh again, then wash...
After I have completely rinsed my birds, I squeeze out all the water I can and put the skin in a coleman fuel bath. There is alot of debate on this one. Most of the top bird taxidermists use some kind of solvent (coleman fuel, mineral spirits, unleaded gas, acetone, etc. To me, I think it speeds the drying of the feathers way up. Most importantly, I think it helps ensure that the down feathers are completely dry. I usually warm my coleman fuel up by placing the can in a 5 gal bucket of scalding hot water. It makes the feathers dry super fast and helps reduce split ends. It took me at least 15 birds before they started looking right. You'll just have to find what works for you.
white gas debate will never die! LOL
It is a matter of preferance, personally I don't like it, If you spin the bird in the wash machine it's about 70% dry and then tumble. If no tumbler, a shop vac. blowing air will work, hair dryers work but willdry the skin to fast. It may take a little longer but you don't have the dangers of white gas or solvents.
thanks for the info guys. ps: would like a spinning wheel with an air compressor work ? or will i do the job just as agood with a plain scrubbing brush? (to defat). i usually soak in "blood eater" after the warm water and soap rinse, then i rinse with cool water. then coleman fuel. to me i find it makes the dryin process a little faster.
what's spinning wheel with an air compressor?
i meant like a rotary tool that i can use through an air compressor. with the wire wheel.
use it but you might be better off using a drill clammped to a vice or simaliar. you are better off keeping the wheel stationary and moving the skin.
If you are planning on doing more than 5 (random number) birds, buy a wheel. It pay's off in the long run and if you sell it you will get alot of the money back.