Small Bird Fleshing Completely Impossible?

AksarBhai · Sep 21, 2019

Hi, Beginner person here. I've struggled with the fleshing of small birds. I've only done a couple of birds before and I'm so confused over how to get rid of the fat in the feather tracts without ripping it completely apart.

I'm working on a fieldfare right now and the skin is soo thin, how do you go about it without destroying webhotelli it? I can see my fingers through the skin, is seems impossible, or maybe I'm going too far? I can't imagine it holding together after a wash..

I've tried using potato flour, a butter knife and a slow pace but I still rip it. I just wonder how much is necessary to get rid of. Pictures would be great.

whitetails and fish only · Sep 21, 2019

Many bird skins are very fragile and hard to work on, Doves being one of them also, although I have never tried them. I know nothing about the bird you are working on but what caught my attention was your use of a butter knife which could be a problem. A small curved scissors used very carefully with light finger pressure on the feather side along with a lot of practice may help. If you can get borax it may also make fleshing easier.

joeym · Sep 21, 2019

You are trying to over-flesh. You don't have to have them squeaky clean on the inside. Most small birds don't have enough fat to affect the mount.

BrookeSFD16 · Sep 22, 2019

You can also try putting it in the freezer for a bit after skinning. Take it out and as soon as it's pliable work on it. Usually just some potato flour and your fingernail will work.

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Small Bird Fleshing Completely Impossible?

AksarBhai New Member

whitetails and fish only Active Member

joeym Jeannette & Joey @ Dunn's Falls

BrookeSFD16 Well-Known Member