RattleSnake Skins

[DesertWalker]

I don't kill them, unless they are ornery. What's the best way to preserve a skin?

[kentlangreder]

dave i skin them out and salt them down let em sit for a few days then take them and wash it then find some old barn wood and tack em to it !! i used to have several that i did untill wendi came along and i had to give them up she don't like snakes at all !!! but this worked well !!

kent

[Aboman]

The salt will preserve a snakeskin for awhile but not permanently. After it is salted and dried, you can wash it good then coat it with Snake Tan (http://www.mckenziesp.com/taxid_stor...2WHCNG8DEHF4E3) which will tan it into leather. It can then be used for belts and hatbands and will last many years.
Salt will dry it but not tan, and bugs will eventually get into any untanned hide. If I get a big snake (python or boa up to 20 feet long) then I'll salt and dry it and send to the tannery. The chrome tan they use will make it feel baby's butt soft, a condition that takes a lot of hide working by hand.

Dave here is a link to a taxi website I belong to, there is a vast amount of information on this site. Just type in your search and you should be set.http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index...00161d8e4764c&

[DesertWalker]

Thanks folks!

[RockyHomestead]

I agree,I used to mount a few Rattlesnakes when I was doing taxidermy and always tanned my own using a tan from a Taxidermy supply house.