Any information on traditional methods of tanning bird skins? It seems most brain information is limited to mammal skins. What are safe alternatives for birds?
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Did you know drinking too much water can kill a person? If it washes the salinity out of your system, the electrolytes you lose will impair body function to the point it will shut down and die. Now what could be "safer" than water? Taxidermy is an industry and industry depends on chemicals. Some are patently unsafe, while others are unsafe if used improperly, and still others are safe but can become unsafe if used improperly.
No one TANS bird skins or fish skins. They never did. Reptile skins may be said to be tanned, but most are simply pickled and oiled. The "alternative" and "safe" methods you're looking for were abandoned by most of this industry long ago since the end results were sadly lacking as compared to the modern methods used today. Brain tanning may make your heart feel good, but it doesn't hold a candle to the accepted techniques today. I've personally tried to forget all those "old" ways because I want my work to look as good as possible TODAY. My suggestion is to look around and see what products you can find to bridge the gaps between your "feel good" and your "best work possible."
George , ( please dont yell ) but I think your wrong for once . Dont they tan ostrich skin into leather ? I know they make wallets out of them . Rick
George , ( please dont yell ) but I think your wrong for once . Dont they tan ostrich skin into leather ? I know they make wallets out of them . Rick
computer stuck
I don't do ostriches, but I was speaking about for taxidermy purposes only. They have lots of weird things in boots I'm not sure of and the President has a pair that undoubtedly have some Cecil stuck between the heel and the sole. LMAO.
We are not necessarily interested in joining the taxidermy industry, per se, but are interested in enjoying wild fauna, both dead and alive, and are looking for ways to preserve dead animals without using the chemicals that we simply choose not to use. We don't disagree with the use of chemicals for professional taxidermists, but are simply searching for alternatives for ourselves. Thanks for all the input, though. And, a quick question: what does industrial "bird-tan" do to bird skins if it doesn't tan them?