April 2012
24 posts
I'd like to preserve a dead baby bird in a jar but I'm not sure how to do it. I've read online that vinegar or rubbing alcohol might work but I figured I'd ask someone who's done it. Any suggestions on at-home liquids I can use and how long it might last?
Pick yourself up some Formalin, (which is a 5% solution of Formaldehyde) and Isopropyl alcohol.
You’ll need to inject a little of the formalin into muscular areas, brain and stomach, then place the bird in formalin for 24 hours. (Formalin is very toxic so wear gloves and eye protection).This will set in a type of rigamortis so make sure you position it exactly how you want it.
After 24 hours, rinse the bird in flowing water for a while, make sure it is totally clean otherwise you’ll have a cloudy looking finish to your piece.
Measure out a 70% solution of the Isopropyl, pour in with bird.
Make sure you use a jar that has an airtight seal to prevent the alcohol solution from evaporating.
That’s it! Good luck!
Taxidermy & Tea with Animal Vegetable Mineral
