Taxidermy

How to Preserve a Bird for Taxidermy: A StepbyStep Guide

How to Preserve a Bird for Taxidermy

To preserve a bird for taxidermy, it is advised to freeze the bird as soon as possible after harvest using a solid, heavy-duty Ziplock freezer bag.

Avoid methods such as freezing the bird with newspaper or vacuum sealer bags.

Place the bird in a 2-gallon zip lock bag, preferably shoulders first, and squeeze out the air.

Do not remove the tail unless properly trained, specifically for upland game birds like Turkeys or Pheasants.

Avoid storing birds in “Frost Free” freezers as they quickly freeze dry the birds.

Additionally, avoid laying a freshly harvested bird in below freezing temperatures on a boat deck or any surface where it will freeze.

It is important to follow proper field dressing instructions to avoid damage to the hide and to avoid making unwanted cuts in the hide.

If unable to get the trophy to the taxidermist promptly, freeze it in a plastic bag with skin side out, removing air to freeze it as flat as possible.

For birds, place the bird in a woman’s nylon (stocking) and tuck the head under the wing to keep feathers tight to the body.

Lastly, groom the bird’s feathers and use support cards to keep them straight.

It is recommended to take the bird to the taxidermist as soon as possible for the best preservation results.


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Did You Know?

1. Taxidermy birds are often preserved using a technique called “dermestid beetles.” These tiny insects feast on the flesh of the bird, leaving only the bare bones behind.

2. Did you know that ostriches can swallow small stones? These stones, known as “gastroliths,” help birds to grind up and digest their food since they lack teeth.

3. The practice of preserving birds for taxidermy dates back to ancient Egypt, where they believed birds could act as messengers between the living and the dead.

4. Some bird species possess a unique adaptation known as “powder down.” These specialized feathers disintegrate into a fine powder that helps to maintain the bird’s plumage by distributing natural oils and repelling moisture.

5. Taxidermists take great care to ensure that the eyes of preserved birds look vibrant and lifelike. To achieve this, they often replace the bird’s original eyes with glass or acrylic replicas, meticulously recreating even the tiniest details such as iris patterns and pupil dilation.

Immediate Freezing Of The Bird

One of the most crucial steps in preserving a bird for taxidermy is freezing it as soon as possible after harvest. This is important to prevent any decomposition and maintain the bird’s natural features. By freezing the bird immediately, you can lock in its physical appearance and prevent any deterioration.

It is advisable to use a solid, heavy-duty Ziplock freezer bag for preservation. This will help protect the bird from freezer burn and ensure that it remains in good condition until it reaches the taxidermist. Avoid using methods such as freezing the bird with newspaper or vacuum sealer bags, as these may not provide adequate protection and can result in damage to the specimen.

  • Freeze the bird as soon as possible after harvest.
  • Use a solid, heavy-duty Ziplock freezer bag for preservation.
  • Avoid using methods such as freezing with newspaper or vacuum sealer bags.

“By freezing the bird immediately, you can lock in its physical appearance and prevent any deterioration.”

Recommended Storage Method For Preservation

The recommended method for storing a bird for taxidermy is to place it in a 2-gallon zip lock bag. It is best to position the bird shoulders first and squeeze out the air before sealing the bag. This will help maintain the bird’s natural form and prevent any unwanted changes in posture during the freezing process.

  • When storing the bird, it is important to avoid laying it in below freezing temperatures on a boat deck or any surface where it may freeze. This can lead to freezer burn and damage the specimen.
  • Instead, place the bird directly into the zip lock bag for optimal preservation.

Note: Proper storage of a bird for taxidermy involves placing it in a 2-gallon zip lock bag, positioning it shoulders first, and removing the air before sealing the bag. Avoid exposing the bird to freezing temperatures on surfaces that can freeze and cause damage.

Caution Against Using Certain Preservation Methods

While preserving a bird for taxidermy, it is important to avoid certain preservation methods. First, do not remove the tail unless you are properly trained, especially for upland game birds like Turkeys or Pheasants. The tail plays a crucial role in the overall appearance of the bird, and removing it can negatively impact the final taxidermy display.

Additionally, it is not recommended to store birds in “Frost Free” freezers. These freezers can quickly freeze dry the birds through moisture removal, which can cause damage and compromise their natural appearance. To properly preserve the bird, it is best to use a conventional freezer that does not have the frost-free feature.

Proper Placement Of The Bird In Freezer Bags

When preserving a bird in a freezer bag, it is important to follow certain guidelines to avoid any damage. Here are some tips:

  • Groom and neatly place the bird’s feathers: This will help preserve their natural appearance and prevent disarray during freezing.
  • Use support cards: Insert these cards between the layers of feathers to keep them straight and properly aligned. This extra step ensures that the feathers maintain their original shape.
  • Avoid damage to the feathers by handling the bird with care and gently placing it in the freezer bag.
  • Ensure proper sealing of the freezer bag to prevent any moisture or air from entering and impacting the bird’s preservation.

Remember, following these guidelines will help preserve the bird’s feathers in the best possible condition.

“Preserving a bird’s feathers requires careful grooming and the use of support cards to maintain their original shape.”

Retaining The Bird’s Tail For Upland Game Birds

For upland game birds like Turkeys or Pheasants, it is crucial to retain the bird’s tail during the preservation process. The tail feathers contribute significantly to the bird’s overall appearance and should be preserved intact. If you are not properly trained in removing the tail, it is best to leave it attached to the bird.

To protect the bird’s tail during freezing, place the bird in a woman’s nylon (stocking) and tuck the head under the wing to keep the feathers tight to the body. This will prevent any damage or misalignment of the tail feathers during the preservation process.

Avoidance Of “Frost Free” Freezers For Storage

Finally, it is important to avoid using “Frost Free” freezers for storing preserved birds. These types of freezers remove moisture quickly, leading to the freeze-drying of the birds and compromising their natural appearance. It is best to use a conventional freezer for optimal preservation results.

In conclusion, preserving a bird for taxidermy requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. By following the tips outlined in this article, including immediate freezing of the bird, using the recommended storage method, avoiding certain preservation methods, properly placing the bird in freezer bags, retaining the bird’s tail for upland game birds, and avoiding “Frost Free” freezers, you can ensure the best possible preservation results. Remember to take the bird to the taxidermist as soon as possible to maximize preservation quality. With these steps in mind, you can preserve a beautiful bird for taxidermy that will be admired for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you preserve bird skin for taxidermy?

To successfully preserve bird skin for taxidermy, begin by carefully skinning the bird. Remove excess fat by wire wheeling it off and then wash the skin in warm water using Dawn soap. Rinse the skin thoroughly in cool water and gently squeeze out the excess water. Afterward, soak the skin in coleman fuel and then fluff it in borax. Finally, use a blow dryer to carefully dry the skin, and you will be astonished by the exceptional results achieved through this process.

How do you preserve animals for taxidermy?

To ensure the preservation of animals for taxidermy, it is important to take immediate action. If prompt access to a taxidermist is not available, one method is to freeze the animal in a plastic bag, with the skin side out, after removing air and flattening it as much as possible. This technique is particularly useful for larger trophies. Additionally, for small game animals like coyotes or foxes, if a life-size mount is desired, it is recommended to freeze the animal whole in a bag. By following these preservation methods, the integrity and quality of the animal can be maintained for future taxidermy work.

How do you preserve birds skin?

Preserving bird skin can be achieved by using a method involving Borax. To begin, carefully apply Borax to the bird’s neck, wings, legs, and tail, ensuring it reaches all the intricate areas. Allow the bird to dry and cure in a cool location for a week, resembling the iconic cluttered desk of Tony Montana from “Scarface.” Afterward, gently remove the excess Borax and repeat the process with another coating to ensure optimal preservation.

Can you preserve a bird in a jar?

Preserving a bird in a jar can indeed be achieved using alternative methods that prioritize safety. Instead of formaldehyde, consider using a natural preservation solution made from a mixture of non-toxic substances such as glycerin and propylene glycol. This mixture helps prevent decay and can be injected into the bird to ensure proper preservation. By opting for a safer approach, you can successfully preserve a bird in a jar without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals or unpleasant fumes.

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