Caring for your taxidermy

  • Avoid displaying your mount in direct sunlight – direct sun will cause the colours to fade over time.

  • Avoid displaying your taxidermy mounts anywhere where there are very high levels of humidity - high levels of humidity can lead to mould and mildew growing on your mount.

  • Keep away from high heat sources.

  • Keep indoors – exposure to the elements will cause the mount to degrade.

  • Keep away from pets or very young children – both might have trouble being gentle with the mount and could cause damage.

  • Try to refrain from petting the feathers too often – oils from your hands can transfer to the feathers and make them greasy looking.  It can also transfer bacteria which may cause the feathers to fall out. (But a little pat now and then is fine!)

  • When cleaning: you can gently dust them using a cotton ball. Make sure you brush in the natural direction of the feathers. If you find it needs a good clean, lightly dampen a paper towel with water and use in the same manner.

     

    Following these simple steps will ensure the quality

    of your mount for a lifetime or longer!

Mounts become faded and humidity will cause mould to grow.

Storing your taxidermy

If you need to place your taxidermy into storage, there are a few things you need to consider:

 

  • The best storage option is in a sealed crate or box. Avoid cardboard at all costs as it is easy for rodents to gnaw through and snack on your mount.

  • Include some bug repellent such as moth balls in the crate to deter pests.

  • Before you seal the crate, add several silica gel packets or other desiccants as the number one enemy of taxidermy mounts is excessive moisture. Excessive moisture will cause the mount to begin to rot and break down, so humidity of <60% is required.

  • To prevent heat damage to your mount you should choose a climate-controlled storage facility where possible. Excessive heat in a storage unit can make your mount turn yellow. Left it in excessive heat for too long your mount may lose all its feathers/fur.

 

 

Following these simple steps will ensure the quality

of your mount for a lifetime or longer!

Bugs will try to eat your taxidermy if they get the chance!