Not exactly big game but...

I brought back a lilac-breasted roller from Zim several years ago and it's been at a well respected taxidermist for the last two years.

They've been telling me the head wasn't skinned correctly and that they'd need to find some more feathers to finish it. As of this week they're telling me it's too far gone and that there isn't much hope. Can anyone recommend a taxidermist (in the US) who's a little more creative (chicken + airbrush ???) and/or would have access to some extra roller feathers?

Your advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Kyler

N'gagi - do you want to bring back an extra roller?

I thought they just freeze-dried birds nowadays?

I've seen them in TV commercials. Maybe you could just buy one stateside?

Or just regret you shot one? Grrrrrr....

Kyler, this is a tough one. Without seeing the skin it is difficult to comment. A decent looking bird mount really requires a great specimen in good condition. It may be salvagable or it may not. You may be better off trying to get another good specimen.

quote:

Originally posted by Kyler Hamann:
Not exactly big game but...

I brought back a lilac-breasted roller from Zim several years ago and it's been at a well respected taxidermist for the last two years.

They've been telling me the head wasn't skinned correctly and that they'd need to find some more feathers to finish it. As of this week they're telling me it's too far gone and that there isn't much hope. Can anyone recommend a taxidermist (in the US) who's a little more creative (chicken + airbrush ???) and/or would have access to some extra roller feathers?

Your advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Kyler

N'gagi - do you want to bring back an extra roller?

Kyler,
Let me preface by saying that I am an amateur taxidermist with basic skills and understanding. I only do birds.

Further, when I have a tough project, such as yours, I do not attempt it.

The best I have seen and a guy that is widely respected as one of the best bird specialists is
Dave Cowley from Altus, OK. He is a perfectionist, does primarily competition quality work and is expensive. His number is 580 482 0320. There are several taxidermists that post on this board and I do not wish to offend any of them, but this guy is one I would take my "problem" to in order to get it done.

Good luck

PS - What Grafton said is absolutely correct as well. You need to start with a great item to generate a great mount.

Kyler, I'm totally unsure about the legalities of bringing a LBR back into the US, but since it's here, obviously there was no problem with the USF&W. That being said, you might look on www.taxidermy.net and ask for Stephen Savides contact info. He is a major bird specialist in OR or WA. Sorry I can't remember which. There are a few guys around the country who manufacture replica birds: Toucan, using a crow skin with artificial bill etc. Ask for help on their forum. I'm sure you'll get some replies. You most likely would be better off starting with a new skin. I will ask if their legal birds when I get to RSA on Monday. If so PM me today/tonight and I'll get you one if legal. I leave early in the morning so let me know if I can help. Good hunting, David

Mr. Kyler,

I am sorry to hear of your bird misfortunes. Like previous replies state it is dificult to determine viability of your specimin without having hands on it. But it doesn't sound good. Now is when I stick my neck out. There are probably less than 10 people in US qualified to do competition quality birds on salted skins. I happen to be one of them. Viability of skin is typically determined in Africa when the bird is shot and skinned. For salted skins preperation of the bird is the most important portion of the taxidermy process. If this is not done perfectly there is little hope for your bird mount. No amount of extra feathers for the head will save it. If you are allready at the point of trying to locate head feathers you are what we refer to in the business as "polishing a turd". Once your bird makes it back to stateside you must immediately find a taxidermist who can jump right on your job, and he will charge extra. He would need to immediately rehydrate said speciman and determine viability. From there he would need to hand carve a form from very detailed notes and measurements that should have been taken at the time of skinning and then he will try to mount your bird. I can also tell you that even with perfect and proper preperation probably 15% of salted bird skins do not survive the process. I hope this has helped you and good luck.

Kyler

Is not everyone that can skin birds and I am not surprised at your dilemma. Field care is crucial for a nice tropy. Never wring the neck to kill the bird. The best approach it to take the bird whole, in a piece of old stocking & frozen to the taxidermist, for him to do everything. That's not preactical from SA to the USA, so just have it done in SA and shipped as a final product.

/

Try Frank Zitz

zitzf@Valstar.net

I hope you can get your taxidermy problems worked out!

I would love to have one of the bright blue feathers from a LBR if any of you ever have an extra. I've never been able to find one on hikes. I did see a couple of LBR feathers at a lodge I stayed in and I sure was tempted to "borrow" one but I couldn't do it.

For future reference...

I think SA Wingshooters had an article on an SA Taxidermist who is a bird specialist and rated the best in the country for birds....