When you have a mounted bird specimen which has fallen off the wall, is the only way to try and get it back into it's original position, to just bend it back the best way you can (which will cause certain parts of the dried skin to crack) or, is there a way in which to "soften it up" again, and to reposition it without doing as much damage? If anyone has any ideas or knows of any past articles on this subject, please let me know. Thank you very much!
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I repair my broken birds with lengths of sharpened wire inserted in weak areas. Such as necks or wings. If you position the broken area how you want it and then slide in a wire it will hold it in position. Hope this helps.
A lot depends on what was broken as a result of the fall. Dryed bird skins are very brittle. If the bird was properly degreased in the first place, and if the skin was broken in the fall, you can rehydrate the skin in that particular area and sew it closed. You can replace tails and some repair of the wings using this same method. Carefully separate the feathers on either side of the tear anb place damp cotton or paper towels under the skin of the break. If it is too tight use a spray bottle and dampen the feathers and skin on either side of the tear. Put the bird in a plastic bag and let sit for a day or two checking to make sure that the skin is rehydrating. Once re-sewed, you can carefully bend the position back to its original place. You can also add extra support wires at this time if needed. Some tears are much more difficult than others, particularly tears around the head, but I have used this technique with success. Hope it works for you. Good Luck