Preserving snake skin. Not shed, but the actual skin

Does anybody have experience with preserving the skin of a deceased snake?

Are there any concerns of deterioration of the snake's skin?

Google is a wasteland of conflicting information, I am looking for first-hand experience from somebody who has actually done this, and kept the skin long-term.

Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SquamishSerpents

Does anybody have experience with preserving the skin of a deceased snake?

Are there any concerns of deterioration of the snake's skin?

Google is a wasteland of conflicting information, I am looking for first-hand experience from somebody who has actually done this, and kept the skin long-term.

Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!

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Honestly I have no experience with this but maybe your local taxidermy place may.

On the other hand, some people preserve dead scorpions and while I'm not sure what you have to mix it in or anything, but I wish you the best of luck. Also this just sounds horrible, but since the snakes already dead you'd have to get the skin off somehow.

Perhaps a taxidermist would know?

You've got to Tan it to preserve it buddy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3vyjbM_4Cs

Gut your snake and dry the skin, like a raisin

I can help you, I operate a taxidermy shop. First do you want the skin to be flat or are you looking more for a mounted life like piece. The flat skin mounted on a flat board will by far be the easiest for you to do yourself. Just make an incision from the chin down to the end of the tail. Pull the skin back and you will notice a white connective, tissue between the skin and muscle. You can use a knife to cut this white membrane as this will separate the skin from the muscle. Next wash the skin in cold water with a small amount of Lysol in the water. Do not leave it in the water. Next rinse the skin off in cold water. Next dry the skin off with paper towels it does not have to be super dry. Now lay the skin out flat with the scale side down . Get some seven mule team borax from your local grocery store. Sprinkle the borax on the skin and lightly rub in into the skin. Next turn the skin over scale side up and staple the edges of the skin down to the board you want the skin mounted to . Put it in a dry location for a week or two and let it dry. The skin will be hard and rigid when dry. If you have any other questions let me know. You can also freeze the snake and Mail it to me and I can prepare it for you. If you like, we have several options that you may like from the flat skin method, freeze drying or a custom full mount. Just let me know if I can be of further help.

A friend of mine uses this method. I haven't used it personally, but the recipient of the skin treated this way was pretty stoked.

Glycerin and rubbing alcohol

-Jen

Thanks for the info guys, going to check out those vids tonight!

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Originally Posted by Tigerhawk

I can help you, I operate a taxidermy shop. First do you want the skin to be flat or are you looking more for a mounted life like piece. The flat skin mounted on a flat board will by far be the easiest for you to do yourself. Just make an incision from the chin down to the end of the tail. Pull the skin back and you will notice a white connective, tissue between the skin and muscle. You can use a knife to cut this white membrane as this will separate the skin from the muscle. Next wash the skin in cold water with a small amount of Lysol in the water. Do not leave it in the water. Next rinse the skin off in cold water. Next dry the skin off with paper towels it does not have to be super dry. Now lay the skin out flat with the scale side down . Get some seven mule team borax from your local grocery store. Sprinkle the borax on the skin and lightly rub in into the skin. Next turn the skin over scale side up and staple the edges of the skin down to the board you want the skin mounted to . Put it in a dry location for a week or two and let it dry. The skin will be hard and rigid when dry. If you have any other questions let me know. You can also freeze the snake and Mail it to me and I can prepare it for you. If you like, we have several options that you may like from the flat skin method, freeze drying or a custom full mount. Just let me know if I can be of further help.

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Unfortunately I do not think I would be able to send it to you. A CITIES permit is needed even if the animal in question is no longer alive, and I assume you're not in Canada, because almost nobody on this site is! :P

Sorry I did not notice your location. However let me if you have any more questions . Also let us know how the project turns out.

Tigerhawk where do you work out of? Sorry on my phone so I can't see if you have a location in your profile...

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