How to Tan a Squirrel Hide at Home 
In this article, you’ll learn how to tan a squirrel hide at home, including a natural repellent, how to work cooked brains into the flesh side of the hide, and the proper way to shave the tanned surface. You should also learn about Borax, which is a natural pesticide. Using Borax is a natural repellent, and avoiding odized salt.
Table of Contents
Borax is a natural repellent
Boric acid is a naturally occurring mineral and odorless substance that has long been used as a pesticide. Although it is a poison, it can only be effective when consumed. Furthermore, state and local laws prohibit the killing of small mammals. Using boric acid is not a humane method of animal control, as it would take the squirrel more than 6 grams of the substance before it would kill you.
Boric acid is a mineral that is found naturally in volcanic areas. The process of producing borax creates an acid that is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. This acid is usually sold as an external repellent. It is also harmful to children and pets if ingested. For these reasons, borax should be used only in confined areas or by professionals. To prevent pest infestations, you must take the necessary precautions.
Avoiding odized salt
One of the easiest ways to preserve a squirrel hide at home is by using fine, non-iodized salt. This salt draws moisture from the skin, making it easier to remove. Make sure the area around the hide is cool and dry. You should avoid using hot water, as it will cause the hair to slip and encourage the growth of bacteria. Keep the hide in a cool place away from pets, mice, and predators.
Dry-salting or brain tanning are other methods you can use to preserve a squirrel hide at home. After drying, the squirrel skin can be pickled or preserved for future use. Dry salting is the easiest method, but you can also try olive oil or brain tanning. To make the tan last longer, use a medium-quality wood-tar tanner.
Working cooked brains into the flesh side of a squirrel’s hide
After cleaning the animal, work the brains into the flesh side of its hide. The meat should be well-cooked before the brains are eaten. Raw squirrel meat is a potential source of several diseases that can infect humans if eaten raw. While not the most popular meat in the world, squirrel is a healthy alternative to beef. Read on to learn how to work cooked brains into the flesh side of the squirrel’s hide.
The process of working cooked brains into a squirrel’s hide involves soaking the skin in a solution of half a dozen eggs and 500ml warm water. You can also use brains, although you should avoid using hot water. Hot water will cook the brains and denature the eggs, so it’s best to use warm water. Place the wet hide on a tripod, then place the pelt over a fire. The fire should produce a large amount of smoke, so turn it off once the pelt is dry. The process should take forty to sixty minutes, but don’t forget to watch!
Shaving a tanned squirrel hide
Tanning a squirrel’s hide at home can be done in a few steps. First, prepare the hide by soaking it overnight in a solution containing water and fine-grain, non-iodized salt. Rock salt contains iodine, so you should avoid using it for this task. After the hide is soaked, you can proceed with shaving. This will give you a smoother, softer surface to apply the tan to.
The next step in shaving a tanned squirrel hide at a home is to prepare the tanned squirrel hide. First, scrape off any salt that may have stuck to the hide. Next, remove any fat and flesh. The Lady of the House uses a sharp knife to score the fat without cutting the skin below or the hair roots. Once the hide is soft, you can use it to make a bangle or cuff.
How do you remove the hide from a squirrel?
You must first skin the animal.
What is the best way to stretch the hide?
The hide can be stretched by nailing it to a board or by sewing it to a backing fabric.
How do you remove the hair from the hide?
The hair can be removed by singeing it with a flame or by using a chemical hair remover.
How do you prepare the hide for tanning?
The hide must be fleshed to remove any remaining flesh and fat.
It can then be pickled or brain-tanned.
What is the difference between pickling and brain-tanning?
Pickling is a process of preserving the hide in a salt solution.
Brain-tanning is a process of treating the hide with animal brains or oils to preserve it.
How do you pickle a hide?
The hide is soaked in a pickling solution of water salt and vinegar.
How do you brain-tan a hide?
The hide is soaked in a brain-tanning solution of water and animal brains or oils.
How long does it take to pickle or brain-tan a hide?
It usually takes about two weeks to pickle or brain-tan a hide.
How do you dry the hide after pickling or brain-tanning?
The hide is hung up to dry in a cool well-ventilated area.
How do you finish the hide?
The hide can be finished by oiling it waxing it or smoking it.
What are some uses for a tanned hide?
Tanned hides can be used for clothing rugs or other items.
How do you store a tanned hide?
Tanned hides should be stored in a cool dry place.
How long does a tanned hide last?
A tanned hide can last for many years if it is properly cared for.
What are some things that can damage a tanned hide?
Moths insects and rodents can damage a tanned hide.
Improper storage can also cause the hide to deteriorate.
How can you repair a damaged hide?
Damaged hides can be repaired by patching them or by using hide glue.
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.
