Osage Roost

General Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: PA Boxcall on March 20, 2012, 08:47:18 PM

Title: straightening feathers in a tail mount
Post by: PA Boxcall on March 20, 2012, 08:47:18 PM

I had the fan from the bird I killed last spring mounted.  It was an old bird and his fan was in great shape, and nice and wide.

Great shape that is until I took possession from the taxidermist....

I had it laid out flat nice and neat in a corner until my next trip to camp when we mount the fan on the wall, and without thinking I laid my parka over in the same corner.  The weight of the coat put a few wrinkles in the tail feathers.  Seems like they have a pretty good memory...

Any tips you guys might have to straighten the feathers back out so they lay flat again?

Title: Re: straightening feathers in a tail mount
Post by: Zumer on March 20, 2012, 08:49:06 PM

Try using the steam from an iron......

Title: Re: straightening feathers in a tail mount
Post by: triune on March 20, 2012, 09:42:42 PM

I've always had luck just soaking in water then blow dry with hair dryer after original cleaning.  I wash all my tail fans with Dawn and let them soak a while.  Rinse them out, roll up in towel then blow dry.
Kenny

Title: Re: straightening feathers in a tail mount
Post by: BKA on March 20, 2012, 10:20:06 PM

Well, this might help. I normally boil some water in a big pot and let the steam flow up through the feathers I intend to use for painting. They seen to regain there shape after the steaming. Have used the same tec. for arrow fletching for years.

Title: Re: straightening feathers in a tail mount
Post by: PA Boxcall on March 20, 2012, 10:26:25 PM

I was thinking steam too.  Thanks for the help guys, I have a few options here, surely something will work.  ITs not terrible, just a couple feathers, just more mad at myself than anything for not being more careful.   >:(

Was surprised that the feather had that much memory and so resistant to straightening.