Natimage you have to just do it! It really is easy to do. You are worrying too much about the bugs!!! Just cut and Borax, nothing to it. If your nervous about cutting to much off go ahead and leave the bone in it. It is easier to get a good fit with a plaque though without the bone. Look at it this way, if you cut to much off and lose the feathers you will have to just get another tom next year......LOL!