What to do!

[bkhuff1s]

I think the smithsonian (destroyed that word...) uses a type of beetle that only leaves the bones for their displays...

[guidofatherof5]

I think the smithsonian (destroyed that word...) uses a type of beetle that only leaves the bones for their displays...

I think I will get an email off to them and ask from some advice on my project.
I also thought about contacting a few local colleges to see if they can be of help. Maybe they can take on the project for me. That would be great.

[MasSalvaje]

Steve check out this link: http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/...5&hilit=skulls
I will be seeing Bryan in May for a Kingsnake survey, you could PM him on that site and see what your possibilities are.

-Thomas

[Tyrel26]

easiest way to do this is to be friends with a conservation officer or someone from a college/university. I studied to be a CO and we use dermestid beetles to clean all types of bones. They are kept in large tanks and they do a great job. Also a lot of museums keep a colony of these critters on hand to help with displays. Either way you could contact some of these people and they may be willing to do it for you or give you enough beetles to start your own colony.
Another thing you could try to to put the snake in a pail (skinned is better, as someone already said) and put a mesh cover on the pail to allow insects to get in. Carrion beetles are airborn and will usually find the body fairly quickly, keep the carcass moist and have a hide for the bugs but insure there are holes in the bottom to allow water to drain off, dont wanna drown your helpers lol.
There are also many water insects that will serve your purpose, i have placed things in a mesh bag before and lowered them into water (fresh or salt) and in very few days the bones are polished. All 3 of these ways are good but when dealing with tiny bones, such as those from a snake, they may also be on the menu for many of these creatures

These methods arnt pretty to watch and will create quite a smell.


As someone already said boiling for a short period of time would be a good option also (but theres the "Pile O' Bones" issue) Placed the skinned snake into a pot of water, then add a little bleach and some salt. CAREFUL, not to much bleach and do not boil for too long or you will destroy the bones, just "cook" until the meat starts to fall away from the bones. Letting the body stay in the water once removed from heat is ok and it will help loosen the bones from the flesh. Then once the water is cool simply strain the remains through a strainer or a cloth. The bones will not likely be white at first but they will after a few days of drying. You may want to remove the head and tie a small piece of cloth around it before boiling if you with to save the teeth.

The last option is a little more...hands on, but it may be your best option if you with to get the best specimen possible. I do some taxidermy work in my free time so I have tried various methods of preservation. Having that said if you do decide to skin the snake, the skin may be used for a lifelike mount (if skinned properly)...but thats your call of course.

Whatever you decide, once you have the bones you should coat them with something (clear varnish or even nail polish) to prevent mites and dermestid beetles (there is a type commonly found in homes, black with a light brown stripe in the middle) from eating them.

Sorry this post is a little long and if its a little late. I would like to hear how this turns out and what methods you choose if it isn't too much trouble.


Goodluck,
Tyrel

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks to everyone who replied.
I've decided to go in a different direction with Krinckleback.

I'm going to have him freeze dried.
8.95 an inch plus the shipping cost. The company is out of Missouri.
http://www.pet-animalpreservation.com/

[ConcinusMan]

This is a great idea you have, to preserve him, or at least his skeleton for science.

I would be contacting university science depts and asking someone what the best method is for preservation, with his skeleton being priority that is. I don't think I like the freeze dry idea. All you'll get is an unrecognizable piece of shriveled up snake jerky. Bare skeleton sounds much better.

[Stefan-A]

That is an interesting solution.

[guidofatherof5]

This is a great idea you have, to preserve him, or at least his skeleton for science.

I would be contacting university science depts and asking someone what the best method is for preservation, with his skeleton being priority that is. I don't think I like the freeze dry idea. All you'll get is an unrecognizable piece of shriveled up snake jerky. Bare skeleton sounds much better.

Not sure if you looked at the link I posted but on page 5 of their photos is an iguana they did.
If that's the quality I'll be receiving, I'll be happy.

[guidofatherof5]

That is an interesting solution.

It doesn't offer an inside look at the skeleton but still give a good representation of the damage done by the disease.
With other processes I worry about ending up with a pile of bones in the end.

[Tyrel26]

well i hope this works out for you, but i have to say that site is the creepiest thing ive ever seen haha i do some taxidermy but those cats and dogs just freak me out...lol

also this is a video you may find interesting, i hope i link this right

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Mt2E1M6dU