The technique of taxidermy is a very complex one. The process of taxidermy involves a series of steps. It requires certain tools. Before beginning the process, ensure to keep all the tools with you so that the entire process can be completed successfully. You may need some more specific tool while working with fish and birds. Here, I am going to describe some of general tools which every taxidermist should know and keep them close for the successful completion of the process.
First of all, wear proper costume before beginning the process. Don’t ever begin the process without wearing a pair of safety glasses. As you may know that the process of taxidermy involves use of cleaning and preserving solutions to clean and preserve hides. These solutions, if come in direct contact with eyes, can cause serious damage. Moreover, wear the rubber aprons and latex gloves so as to protect your skin against the damage that may be caused by the cleaning and preserving solutions.
Once you have outfitted yourself with the proper costume, come to the tools you will need for beginning the process. Keep cutting tools such as scissors, blades, scalpels, filleting knives and sharpened spoons. These tools can be used for removing the hide of the animal as well as for cleaning the hide from the pieces of flesh and soft tissues. Carefully use fleshing tools to prepare the unpreserved skin for tanning process. You can choose the type of fleshing tools depending upon the, specie, size of the animal and area of the body. As for example, some animals have soft flesh which requires a delicate knife while others have hard flesh and needs a bit sharper and larger knife.
The next step is to tan the skin. During tanning process the tools you will need includes plastic buckets, bowls and measuring cups for holding cleaning, tanning and degreasing solutions. You don’t need to buy new buckets or bowls. You can use recycled material in your home. The only purpose of these buckets and bowls is to hold margarine or whipped topping and tanning solutions, etc.
After completing the tanning process, you will need tools like glue, thread and needles to sew the hide. Moreover, you will also need glue and super glue during the mounting process to fix parts such as eyes and teeth. The selection of needles is a critical process. Don’t use the regular sewing needles as they will break. The large needles also should not be used as they will create visible holes in the skin which may cause tearing of the hide. Go only for specialized needles.
Once the mounting is done, take hair brush to neaten the animal so as to give it a realistic look. You can also use tooth brush, comb or pet brushes to straighten the hair or feathers of birds. In case of fish, you will not need any hair brush or toothbrush but you may need to paint the fish in bright colors. So if you are going to work on fish, do keep oil painting kit and air brushes with you.
While these are some suggested tools for taxidermy, there is no hard and fast rule. Once you gain experience with taxidermy, you can better decide when to use which tool.