NEW SKULL TO CLEAN

Hubby's deer skull is out of the freezer, defleshed and waiting for degreasing

 We didn't get any pictures of this buck before he went into the box. He is a typical sized 3 pointer with small brow tines as well an extra  small dropper on one side. Symmetrical  with good highth and width. In another couple of years he would have been truly impressive.

I had to utilize my ventilated box as a lid because the horns were too high for the 96 quart box. With this set up I could do a much larger head without any problem and have it well ventilated.

I am fascinated by the beautiful structure of the the bone and the elegant sweep of the horns. It will be appreciated for years and I continue to learn the skills of this form of taxidermy.

Considering using bio-degradable degreaser rather than the detergent/water method. Something new to try and evaluate.

I'll follow up on how things went and maybe post photos!

INFORMATION ON DERMESTID BEETLES

Dermestid beetles and their colonies do not have to stink!

You can find two thoughts on dermestid beetles and the smell of a colony...one group (those who are selling) and then others. The two seem to have totally different opinions.

 Many sellers use terms like worm bedding or musky or earthy, and those terms actually fit.....if you only feed dry dog kibble and never put a skull in the box. 

Then things happen and not for the good. If the skull still has some brain matter you will probably be subjected to the most gagging, foul, nasty odors you have ever experienced unless you know a trick or two.

Actually there is no trick, just a very simple fix...called ventilation. 

This magical fix can be used with any size colony, from the small 5 gallon aquarium to a big chest freezer and if done right it will not cause problems for the critters. If done wrong it will cost you money, kill some of your bone cleaners and many exposed eggs.

More information on that subject later. I can't give up all my little bits of information just yet.