Skulls

[Mr Muddy 141]

Not exactly taxidermy, but I’ve always fancied having a few skulls as ornaments: Interesting things that I’ve caught in traps; moles, mink, maybe a stoat or weasel.

 

Does anyone know the best way to get the animal off the skull. Boil them? Put them in the ground for a bit?

 

Any advice welcome.

[Outlaw Pete 2,224]

Mr Muddy; In the states they use a particular type of beetle. They sell these things specifically for the purpose of cleaning skulls.

 

God knows what they are. But, I reckon if ye Google for " Taxidermy. net ". Then search there for " Skull Cleaning Beetles " and terms like that, ye'll soon find them.

 

No idea if the same ones will be found in UK. But, it must be worth a shot. Just be sure to find out if A/ The supplier reckons they'll make the crossing. And B/ It's okay to import them.

[bullmastiff 615]

Stick them somewhere the flys can get to but that mammals/birds can't (and preferably away from the house!!)

They'll have it pretty clean in no time. Then just scrub it clean with an old tooth brush and bleach it.

[Mr Muddy 141]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I hadn’t thought of using insects.

 

I’ve googled it and the Yanks are using dermestid beetles, which we do get over here; carpet beetles, larder beetles etc. the sort of bugs people usually want sprayed.

 

Come the spring I might try and catch some of the beetles as well as the ‘skulls’.

Do the whole thing myself.

[Outlaw Pete 2,224]

" Straw Dogs "

 

[scothunter 12,609]

I forgotten his name right now,but the old moderater of ferret section he collects skulls,ask him mate.

[fishermccann 0]

I just put skulls in a bucket of warm soapy water , and change it every couple of weeks. In a couple of months the flesh just falls off with a garden hose.