I dont see enough advice for beginners in the vulture culture tag, so I figured id share some links and resources ive found in my past few years of experience and research
quick disclaimer: this will be more focused on bone cleaning and wet specimens because those are my areas of interest and therefore what I feel the most comfortable giving advice on
if you specialize in pelts or taxidermy feel free to add on your advice or resources!
the migratory birds treaty - a must read if you're in north america
mickeyalicekwapis.com - has great blog posts from a professional taxidermist. covers everything from basic advice to ethics to advice on starting your own business
taxidermy.net - the og forum for taxidermy and bone cleaning advice. ive found questions answered here that I havent been able to find answered anywhere else on the internet. the members of this forum are like the old gods of vulture culture
r/vultureculture, r/taxidermy, r/bonecollecting, and r/wetspecimens - the reddit community can be kind of toxic but ive found some great advice and friendly people here. you also dont need an account to browse which is a plus
I also recommend @earthenremains' pinned post for some great articles and info on laws. in general dont be afraid to ask myself or someone else in the vulture culture community if you have more questions or need advice! most people will be happy to help if they can
wet specimens by mickeyalicekwapis
useful thread on wet specimens
wet specimens: important note about formalin
more info on wet preservation
bone cleaning guide from a forensics doctor
bone whitening by @roadkillandcrows
skinning guide part 1 and part 2 by @blackbackedjackal
face shaping guide by @blackbackedjackal
buyers guide by @blackbackedjackal
buyers/sellers guide by @earthenremains
places to buy bones, taxidermy, wet specimens, and vulture culture art:
skullstore.ca - can be pricey if you're outside Canada or the USA but these guys are extremely reputable and have a pretty insane range of oddities
darlingdeadadorments.com - some of the most beautiful jewellery and pre-made displays ive ever seen
pacificremains - bone cleaning services, etsy - super experienced and they have some really cool wet specimens on their etsy page
animalautopsy - super cool bone jewellery
demon kitty designs - makes some incredibly cool curio necklaces with insect wings, bones, shells, and other trinkets
places where you can acquire dead animals:
local parks, roadkill, woods and rivers - look in undisturbed places, on the sides of busy roads (remember to be careful of passing cars), underneath powerlines and near bodies of water
pet stores - from what I've heard chains will be more reluctant to give/sell to you than smaller businesses, but it never hurts to ask as long as you're professional and respectful
breeders, especially breeders of feeder animals like mice and rats
other places to get bones and taxidermy:
• estate sales - heres a handy guide I found on mickeyalicekwapis.com
• thrift stores, oddity shops, and antique stores
feel free to add tips or advertise your small business!
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