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Using Natural Duck Head

Discussion in 'Beginners' started by Wally Gator, Feb 4, 2019.

  1. Feb 4, 2019 #1
    Wally Gator

    Wally Gator Well-Known Member

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    604
    Good evening y'all. So far, I have only used artificial heads, but I am about to do a merganser using the natural head. I have already skinned him, and have the skin inverted over the skull, just beyond the eyes, still attached. Does anyone know of a similar tutorial where the skin remains attached the the skull? From what I deduct from some other posts, some folks leave the skin attached, but I haven't seen any illustrations. Is there a risk of rot or stink at the area of the skin that is left without preservative? By the way, my bird is back in the freezer until the weekend. Thanks
     
  3. Feb 4, 2019 #2
    joeym

    joeym Old Murphey

    13,595
    7,876
    Chunky, Mississippi
    There will be no rot or stink. Invert the skin to almost to the line of connection at the bill. There is absolutely no need to separate the skin from the skull at this point. Liberally apply preservative, and you will be just fine. I have never seen the need for an artificial skull on a Hoody. It's super easy to prep the real skull, invert, and mount.
     
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  5. Feb 4, 2019 #3
    Wally Gator

    Wally Gator Well-Known Member

    202
    604
    Great. Thanks a lot. One more question...the skin under the lower bill, does it stay or is it removed and fill with clay, then painted?
     
  6. Feb 5, 2019 #4
    joeym

    joeym Old Murphey

    13,595
    7,876
    Chunky, Mississippi
    The skin under the bill remains. The preservative will cure it.
     
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  7. Feb 10, 2019 #5
    Wally Gator

    Wally Gator Well-Known Member

    202
    604
    Finished the hoodie last night, well, this morning at 1:30... quite pleased with the head and eyes. This is just my fourth bird. Got lots of hours in it. Thanks for your input. Pics of head attached.
     

    Attached Files:

    Fallenscale likes this.
  8. Feb 10, 2019 #6
    Fallenscale

    Fallenscale Well-Known Member

    569
    417
    NY
    Well done you should be proud. would help see it better if there was a solid back drop.
     
  9. Feb 10, 2019 #7
    Wally Gator

    Wally Gator Well-Known Member

    202
    604
    Thanks. Light in my pool room is poor. I will post more pics when the props come off...with better lighting and backdrop.
     
    Fallenscale likes this.