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HELP PLEASE

Discussion in 'Bird Taxidermy' started by Buddha14524, Oct 7, 2013.

  1. Oct 7, 2013 #1
    Buddha14524

    Buddha14524 Member

    373
    0
    I had a lady call me wanting a lot of Ducks doves starlings robins ect. BUT she wants me to mount them like boards no eyes no detail no paint no nothing just like Charles Darwin did his study birds she is a bird Biologist.

    My question is how much do I charge and How on earth do I handle the birds like Doves without taking off tons off feathers.
     
  3. Oct 7, 2013 #2
    Museum Man

    Museum Man Well-Known Member

    3,924
    745
    where i've always been
    in my years at the museum I had done tons of study skins....they are simply skinned out, cleaned, bones removed, and filled with cotton.......really very simple...the museum still has study skins in the collection that are 50 years old plus and in great condition.....
     

  5. Oct 7, 2013 #3
    Buddha14524

    Buddha14524 Member

    373
    0
    what did you charge
     
  6. Oct 7, 2013 #4
    Museum Man

    Museum Man Well-Known Member

    3,924
    745
    where i've always been
    I didn't charge anything, I was an employe of the museum...
     
  7. Oct 7, 2013 #5
    Buddha14524

    Buddha14524 Member

    373
    0
    well what do you think I should charge I wanted to do them for free but the lady knew I was an upcoming bird taxidermist and refused it and but also told me dont try doing a simple cheap price do a honest fair price I was thinking just ask 50 per duck since some local guys told me ask around 100 but them guys do this as a living
     
  8. Oct 7, 2013 #6
    smalliestalker

    smalliestalker and a river runs through it.

    1,393
    3
    Wisconsin
    I do not understand the question I guess, because the answer seems simply - If you have not done one already, DO ONE, and charge time + materials + your profit. If you do terrific work charge for it. If you do not, then charge accordingly.
     
  9. Oct 7, 2013 #7
    Museum Man

    Museum Man Well-Known Member

    3,924
    745
    where i've always been
    there are nearly no materials used....no eyes, no wire....other than cotton and your time you figure what your per hour is worth......ducks will require a lot more time to flesh, degrease and wash and blow dry ......charge your per hour rate for your time...
     
  10. Oct 7, 2013 #8
    CannonQ

    CannonQ New Member

    130
    0
    May be a basic wire frame in the birds, to support wings of larger birds. Just borax and cotton. Charge more for the ones you have to wash.
    I did some tiny birds, just be gentle.


    Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire
     
  11. Oct 9, 2013 #9
    Buddha14524

    Buddha14524 Member

    373
    0
    I was told charge half of what average price was since most of my time will be spent skinning and fleshing and cleaning
     
  12. Oct 9, 2013 #10
    cougar125

    cougar125 New Member

    25
    0
    $35/hr for skinning, degreasing, and prep work. It's not real high, but it's not free either.