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Essential Beginner's Kits for Learning DIY Small Mammal Taxidermy

Essential Beginner's Kits for Learning DIY Small Mammal TaxidermyThinking about diving into the fascinating world of small mammal taxidermy? It can seem a little daunting at first, but with the right tools and a good dose of patience, you'll be amazed at what you can create! Here's my take on the essential kits and supplies to get you started on your journey.
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  1. 1

    Ellzey's Squirrel Mounting Kits for Beginners

    ellzeystaxidermy.com
    These kits are fantastic for a true beginner! They come with almost everything you need to mount a squirrel, plus super clear, step-by-step instructions with color photos to guide you through the whole process.
  2. 2

    McKenzie Taxidermy Supply Small Mammal Forms

    Once you've prepped your specimen, you'll need a good form to shape it. McKenzie has a huge selection of realistic small mammal forms, which are crucial for achieving lifelike poses.
  3. 3

    Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company Mammal Eyes

    matuskataxidermy.com
    Eyes are truly the windows to the soul, even in taxidermy! Matuska offers a great variety of realistic mammal eyes that will bring your finished piece to life.
  4. 4

    Rittel's EZ-100 Tanning Kit

    dogandhuntsupply.com
    Tanning the hide correctly is super important for preservation and softness. This kit is a complete system that's easy to use and gives great results for smaller skins.
  5. 5

    Scalpel Handle (#4) with #24 Scalpel Blades

    surgicalmart.com
    Precision is key in this craft, and a good sharp scalpel is your best friend. The #4 handle with #24 blades gives you the control you need for delicate skinning and fleshing work.
  6. 6

    McKenzie's Serious Sportsman Taxidermy for Beginners Course

    bibliope.com
    You can't learn without guidance, and McKenzie offers excellent instructional booklets and videos. These resources are invaluable for understanding techniques and avoiding common pitfalls.
  7. 7

    Heavy-Duty Taxidermy Needles & Thread

    After prepping and shaping, you'll need to stitch things up neatly. Regular sewing needles won't cut it; you need sturdy, curved taxidermy needles and strong thread for durability.
  8. 8

    Borax Powder

    en.wikipedia.org
    Borax is a classic for a reason! It's great as a drying agent and helps deter insects during the initial stages of preservation. Just remember it's usually a step in the process, not a full tan on its own.
  9. 9

    Nitrile Gloves

    Safety first, always! Nitrile gloves protect your hands from chemicals and keep everything hygienic, which is super important when working with specimens.
  10. 10

    Apoxie Sculpt

    avesstudio.com
    This two-part epoxy clay is fantastic for fine details like rebuilding eyelids, setting eyes securely, and filling in any small areas on your forms. It's really versatile.
  11. 11

    Fleshing Knife (e.g., McKenzie's Fleshing Knife)

    Removing all the excess flesh and fat from the hide is a critical step, and a good fleshing knife makes it much easier and more efficient.
  12. 12

    McKenzie Leather Oil

    mckenzietaxidermysupply.com
    After tanning, you'll want to keep that hide soft and pliable. A quality leather oil, like McKenzie's, helps condition the skin and prevents it from becoming stiff and dry.
  13. 13

    Wire Cutters & Pliers

    You'll be using wire for armatures and support, so a sturdy pair of wire cutters and pliers are indispensable for shaping and securing your mount.
  14. 14

    Small Gauge Wire Assortment

    Different gauges of wire are essential for supporting limbs, tails, and delicate features. Having a variety on hand lets you tackle different parts of your small mammal project with confidence.

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