RE: Silicone instead of Hide Paste
silicone would work i guess but far from the best choice and it would be a real pain to get out of hair or feathers if it got where you didn't want it. there are better grades of silicone ,lexel is the best.
i know a taxi i my area that used acrylic caulk to glue around the eyes and nose on deer heads on dried preservative mounts. i had him do a few for me back in the 80's. they haven't held up the best.