Cleaning Skulls

[Dan Davies 7]

Hi all what's the best way to clean a roe skull? Have been told to leave it under ground for a few weeks and then boil it? What's your advice? Cheers

[Outlaw Pete 2,224]

Dan; Boiling it might prove a little more drama than you really want. And it'll still come out in need of a clean up as bits of stuff tend to adhere.

 

In America, they use special beetles. You can buy them. Or, there's always the good old ants nest.

[JDHUNTING 1,817]

I never realised people used insects for this as ive never done it, ill remember this though as id like to keep a big pike skull if im ever lucky enougj to find one. Anyhow given the time of year ants maybe not an option but i used to keep scorpions and feed them these black "carnivorous" crickets id bet these would do the trick an cheap as chips.

On second thoughts wouldnt ferts do the same or would they damage the skull theres no much left of any rabbits mine get but maybe a roe skull would be tougher

Edited October 29, 2013 by JDHUNTING

[bobcullen79 1,495]

Take as much meat off as possible and boil it. The more you clean before boiling the less gross it will be. Burying it might stain it too much if you want it white. Ive heard bout them beetles Pete, had a little search a while ago, and like you said the yanks use them, I put 2 n 2 together and figured it would be easy/cheaper doing it the old school way. Best done outside though. I`m sure I read that if you bleach or bleach too strong it will deteriorate and yellow the skull quicker?

[Outlaw Pete 2,224]

Yeah, I think we need expert advise on this one, Bob. I've done skulls myself but, to be honest, that was in a passed life, many decades ago. I remember very little of it now.

 

Rob or Steve, on the Taxidermy board might know? Otherwise, Taxidermy Net is sure to have it covered.

 

I wouldn't trust ferrets with a skull. Little buggers are bound to have a go at it.

[Born Hunter 17,960]

There used to be a 'how to' on this in the deer section I think. Pics and step by step guide.

[rough dog 333]

I remove as much as possible then boil them ...then use peroxide to clean them . I cut the skull with a jacksaw . If you want the whole skull you might have to glue some teeth back in !

[sussex 5,803]

Skin it & take of as much flesh as possible , including eyes , boil , pressure wash if you have one , keep the antler out of the boiling water as much you can as it will discolour it (it goes white) ....wrap in cotton wool soaked in hydrogen peroxide 35% ,then wrap in crape bandage for a couple of three days . you can order the Hy Peroxide in from a chemist , the stuff they dye hair with is very weak . WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES .IT STINGS LIKE FCUK

[rough dog 333]

Skin it & take of as much flesh as possible , including eyes , boil , pressure wash if you have one , keep the antler out of the boiling water as much you can as it will discolour it (it goes white) ....wrap in cotton wool soaked in hydrogen peroxide 35% ,then wrap in crape bandage for a couple of three days . you can order the Hy Peroxide in from a chemist , the stuff they dye hair with is very weak . WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES .IT STINGS LIKE FCUK

 

 

Your right about the antlers I should of said sorry mate ..... I rap copper wire around them and suspend them over the water !

[Outlaw Pete 2,224]

Potassium Permanganate will recolour 'bleached out' antlers, no problem Just wipe them over with a solution of it. Then sand it back off the tines.

 

Again though; I did this centuries ago and don't remember the recommended strength.

 

That forum I linked to, above, will have all this information. It's septic. And they've taken Taxidermy completely off the scale.