I took my time and skinned four rabbits without getting any holes. I salted the hides and let them dry for a few days until I could get to them again. I then rehydrated them and tried to remove what little fat and membranes were left. The things tore like they were wet paper. The fat and membranes would come off fine until I was about done then rip. I then put the hides in safe acid and tried removing membranes after that step and they still ripped. Are there any tricks or is it just part of tanning a rabbit. Any help is apprectiated, thanks. JH
I forgot to mention that I'm just using my fingers to remove the fat and membranes and I'm still tearing the skins. JH
I finished my first rabbit mount this fall, when you apply any pressure to the skin, it tears. I gently lifted the membrane and fat and touched it with a straight razor. I did not cut into it. I touched it very lightly and it all came off just fine. Wait till you try to pull that fragile S.O.B over the form. Hehehehe, you are in for a treat. Here is a tip I wish I had before I ripped mine all to hell. Cut the form into sections. Cut the body in half and cut the hind legs off the form. Insert the parts where need be and apply a little bondo to mend the form back together. Good Luck. They Suck.
I admit - wild rabbits are the worst. Extremely thin skins tear easily, but one thing I've learned is that on the thin skinned skins, its always important to work (beam) and pull any of the membrane from the Tip of the tail towards the head. NOT THE OPPOSITE WAY! I've beamed a lot of rabbits - mostly domestics which are thicker - but this rule will work on any thin skin! The natural tendency is to do it the other way - but if you do, you'll tear right into the skin. This rule is also a good rule to remember when shaving too. If you always shave with the lay of the fur or hair, from the tip of the tail to nose, rarely will you cut into the skin or rarely pop off the end of the tail. Good Luck with your Bunny!
I am doing a jackalope, and when i order it, it will probally be skinned and salted, when i rehydrate, will this skin most likely rip just trying to pull it over a head form?
If you work the membrane off the side first from the fat under the front legs down to aprox 4" from the bottom of the pelt. Aprox. 3 to 4 inches up from the tail is the spot that you get most rips. Work the membrain off from the side of the pelt to the middle then do the other side the same way. Good luck after you do alot of skins it gets easier. After a couple os skins you will see how nice a fleshing machine is.