How to Tan a Squirrel Pelt
If you have a love for squirrels but can’t bring yourself to kill one, you can still enjoy the beauty of the fur and the versatility of its skins by learning how to tan a pelt. There are several ways to achieve a tanned finish, including the brain tanning method and using lard and flour. This article will show you how to skin a squirrel, rehydrate it with olive oil, and make a beautiful rug out of it.
Table of Contents
lard and flour method vs brain tanning
The lard and flour method vs. brain tanning to tan squirrel pelt has many benefits and disadvantages. The brain tanning method is the traditional method of tanning a squirrel pelt, but it is also one of the simplest methods. You will need a fire and a tripod to do it properly. The fire should be hot enough to melt lard, and it should be a good enough temperature to roast a brain. Then, you must roll up the pelt until the blood is drawn out. This process should take about 40 to 60 minutes.
The lard and flour method requires you to clean the flesh side of the pelt thoroughly, but you can also use a blender or food processor. You can then blend the mixture and pulse for 30 seconds to a minute. After 30 minutes, you can stretch the pelt to make the hide tanned. You will need to repeat this process many times to make it even. Be sure to stretch the hide to avoid soreness.
rehydrating a squirrel pelt
If your squirrel is dehydrated, you can give him a drink from an International Rehydration Solution. This solution contains half a litre of water, a quarter cup of sugar, and a half teaspoon of glucose. The water should be lukewarm. If the dehydration lasts more than twelve hours, you should take your squirrel to the vet. Your veterinarian can administer a rehydrating solution subcutaneously.
You should check your squirrel’s pelt for signs of dehydration. The skin is naturally loose and will tent. Pinch the skin to check whether it is dehydrated. The fold should retract when you release the pinch. You can also purchase powdered electrolyte from the veterinarian. If your squirrel is emaciated or hairless, use a high-quality rehydration solution to replenish the fluids.
wringing a squirrel pelt
To tan a squirrel pelt, you need to wash and dry it thoroughly. Ensure that the water temperature is cool, as hot water can cause the skin to slip and cause bacteria. After the pelt has been wet, squeeze out the excess dressing solution. The pelt should then be hung up to dry in a cool place, preferably out of direct sunlight.
To make your pelt look more authentic, it must be from a squirrel native to your area. For example, grey squirrels are generally white, with red patches on the underside. Albino grey squirrels are very rare. In parts of the southern United States, the white squirrels comprise over a quarter of the population of S. carolinensis, while black squirrels are becoming more common in southern Britain.
You can also tan a squirrel pelt using a salt bath. First, mix 1/2 lb of table salt in a gallon of water. Make sure the salt is completely dissolved before using it. Once the salt has dissolved completely, you can add it to the hide. Leave the hide for at least six to eight hours. When the hide is dry, rub liberally with salt or Borax to enhance the tan.
rehydrating a squirrel pelt with olive oil
To rehydrate a squirrel pelt, you need to clean it thoroughly, remove the visible meat, and scrape off the fur. You can use a dull knife to do this without nicking it. Next, place the pelt in a bath of room temperature water. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, as this will encourage bacteria growth and slippage of the hair. To further soften the pelt, you need to rub it over a straight edge, such as a patio railing.
To determine whether the squirrel is dehydrated, try using the “skin turgor” test. Gently grab a strip of the skin on the back of a squirrel. If the skin snaps back quickly, it is healthy. If it stays elevated and returns slowly to its original position, it is dehydrated. Very young baby squirrels have a naturally loose skin and therefore have low turgor. In addition to this, you can check if your squirrel has stimulated urination, which is another indicator of dehydration.
How do you tan a squirrel pelt?
Answer 1: First you need to remove the hair from the squirrel pelt.
This can be done by soaking the pelt in a salt and water solution which loosens the hair.
Then the hair can be scraped off with a dull knife.
Next the pelt needs to be soaked in a tanning solution which can be made from tree bark.
Finally the pelt needs to be stretched and dried.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
