Since I have not mounted any snakes, my knowledge on preserving and tanning them is limited. But now that I live in an area that seems to be infested with rattlesnakes I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before someone brings one to me. So, I just spent that last few hours reading past postings on the subject. I know that using Glycerin/Denatured Alcohol is a preservative method and not an actual tanning procedure. Now for the questions, mainly in relation to using the snake skins as hat bands, or other decorative means. What is the long term affects of these two methods? Will both methods result in long term softness and pliability of the snake skins? Will a tanned snake skins last longer than one treated with just glycerin/alcohol? Any advice would be appreciated.
(My neighbor killed a 3 foot rattler in his yard a couple of weeks ago and he used the glycerin/alcohol method to preserve the skin after tacking it to a board. I'm also wondering if it would be too late to use a tanning method on the skin by this point? He just wants to use it as a hat band.)
Return to Reptile Taxidermy Category Menu
If you want to use the skin for a hat band or belt, tanning is the best method. It is a far longer lasting process in the long run, for skins that are going to be exposed to the elements. Glycerin/methanol, is a good method for a wall hanging, or for instructional value if the skins are to be handled by kids and such for educational reasons. BUT! For long term preservation, like any other leather product, they must be periodically oiled to remain soft and pliable. leather left untrated will eventualyy dry rot, and deteriorate. Bruce Rittels snake tanning kit works great for hatbands, belts ect. If you are to do the snake skin for a mount, it cannot be tanned as you lose all the elasticity of the skin. You can purchase my Video on mounting snakes if you think you will eventually get into it from the TR supply store in the refernce and supply section. As for wether your glycerin teated skin will accept the tanning process at this point, i do not know! Call bruce if you have any questions on his product!
Tom
Looking for a rattle snake hat band for hat size 7/38. 25 3/4" long by 2' wide with rattle