mink feet question

Submitted by JJ on 03/31/2003. ( ) 64.108.146.33

I am a bird guy and I do a gameheads as well. I recently got a mink to do, road kill in excellent shape except for some repairs to the head. Here is my question.I turned the feet and skinned the toes, no problem. Then fleshed salted, pickled, cream tanned. NOW, how do I get those darn little feet turned back right side out? Do I need to make an incision? This is my first lifesize mammal. Any other mink pointers also appreciated

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Ok....

This response submitted by gordon on 03/31/2003. ( ) 142.177.102.85

did you try poking it out with end of tooth brush...handle side? Or rehydrate the little pigies...and gently pull one toe at a time...until you are at the market.... No, stick a wet piece of paper towel down its pant leg and and pop those toes out...good luck...


Fill

This response submitted by with on 03/31/2003. ( ) 207.88.126.162

When I rehydrate skins, I let them rehydrate fully, then I fill each leg or toe with pickle or rehydration solution. Then I just press. Think of filling a sealed Ziplock Bag with water. When you press on it, the sides bulge and finally the bag opens or bursts (you hope for opening). The toes of a mink are VERY easy to manipulate without slippage, just go in and try something. If you tell me the color of your mink I might even have spare feet available in case you really screw up. I cut up those mink pelt collars a lot.

Good luck!


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