I have a squirrel mannikin standing erect by ellzey. When trying to put tanned skin on mannikin. (Test fit) I can't quite get the skin down over the front legs far enough so the legs will fall into place on the form. I skinned it with a case incision. Seems to fit otherwise as long as I can get the front legs in place. The hide paste will help somewhat but before I apply it I want to make sure I can get legs in place. Any suggestions?
Return to Lifesize Mammal Taxidermy Category Menu
Hi Pat, You didn't say if you left the front legs attached to the form when pre-fitting. If you left the front legs attached, cut them off and install in the legs and slide the skin on the manikin. You can reattach the legs using bondo or apoxie-sculpt and run a wire through the feet into the leg into the form. Also make sure the form is not to big. A lot of people make the mistake of ordering too big of a form.
The forms are foam and are real easy to alter. Cut, file, or sand down where needed. Animals are like people, every one comes in a different size and shape. Most forms do not fit exactly to each animal and must be altered. Good luck.
That's a major problem with squirrel legs. What you should do is always keep the specimen frozen, order the form and when it comes in make sure it matches up to your body. The manufactures sometimes have to sculpt them bigger so that when they come out of the mold the legs don't break off.
What needs to be done it take a file to the legs and file it down till you can get the skin to fit loose not real snug but just loose. Thsi way you can get the hair patterns to line up right. Also don't forget to make relief cuts in the pit areas. This way you can tuck in the loose skin.