As this is my first bird ever I really want the thing to last for as long as I'm arround and don't want to screw it up. I've taken all the fat and meat that I could possibly remove and then filled the area with salt also rubbing in salt.
My question is how long should I leave the fan and wing to dry on the board (it currently resides in a warm dry place,) before putting it in the fan mount my dad made for me?
I let mine dry untill they're good and stiff. The fleshy areas must also be completely dry before displaying or you will bet bugs. As far as a time frame, it varies but I would say around 3-4 weeks. Borax, instead of salt, will dry them out faster and repel the bugs.
i let mine dry til they are almost crispy. i use plenty of borax and i staple the tail to the board i'm going to use to hang it. already has a hole drilled for the nail and everything. once it's dry, all i have to do isscrew a circular plaque to cover up the base of the tail and it's ready to hang. i've heard if you dip the tail in some water and dish soap it shines it up. i haven't tried this but a friend of mine said it worked.
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i usually let mine dry 4 to 6 weeks, have always used salt,i'm sure borax is better.let dry til remaining meat and skin is hard,and not oily,i've had mine on display for about 8 years now and still looks fresh, good luck
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Drying a wing and fan
