Cleaning Armadillo shell:
I am trying to use the shell parts in a clay sculpture. I have tried this before and ended up with all sorts of mold and mildew in the clay from the untreated shell.
So far I have soaked the shell in bleach (probably a terrible mistake) and then in water & baking soda for a couple of weeks. But I think I have left it too long and fear that the shell is/will be damaged.
1) any suggestions for the current soggy shell?
2) if a new one is found (I'm only using shells from well "cleaned" found carcasses), can anyone refer me to a book or any particular reliable process that will render it far more bacteria free (or as close as I can reasonably get it), please?
I would be very grateful for reliable help.
(Obviously I have not experienced that so far!)
Thanks very much,
Linda Smith
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I've mounted a couple of those smelly little guys and they took quite awhile to dry, longer than a couple of weeks. I'm thinking closer to a month, in my studio. I wonder if you could just do a 15-min. soak in water/brown bottle lysol or some other bactricide, then let them dry in the sun? I've found several remains of dillos in the field, and the shells were pretty well sun bleached and dried very well.
Maybe someone else on here has some ideas?
Oh, and did you click the orange search button to the left? Chances are, there's some info in there you can use.