Listed below are some Frequently Asked Questions. I’ve had some pretty odd requests, and I welcome them all! Have a look below and perhaps your questions may be listed here? Or you might learn something new too! Bonus!
Q: Do you taxidermy pets?
Yes, I am available to preserve pets on request. It depends on the size and type of pet. I am happy to help.
Q: What are your costs?
I am typically closed to most commissions, but I do make exceptions for pets because of the special role they have in our lives. Pricing starts at approximately $250 to preserve paws, $300 to taxidermy small animals (like rodents), $350 to preserve mid-sized animal skulls (like cats or small dogs)
Q: How long is your wait list?
My wait list generally is around 1 year.
Q: Do you taxidermy deer heads?
Sorry, no. I specialize in small critters, birds, and oddities. There are several taxidermists that can help with your deer throughout Atlantic Canada.
Q: Can you preserve my wisdom teeth
Yes. I have been asked this question often and have yet to work on any. I am open to it!
Q: How do I care for my new taxidermy friend?
My care advice for taxidermy creations:
-Keep out of direct sunlight- the sun is very powerful and will dull the natural colours of the item. It’s starting the process of decay.
-Keep handling to a minimum- if an item is touched or handled in the same spot, the fur or feathers will slowly wear over time. It’s no longer alive to grow new fur or feathers.
-Keep away from pets- Dogs and cats LOVE to eat taxidermy. My small critter taxidermy (mice, rats, small birds) are all preserved with sodium borate (Borax) and is not poisonous to pets. It can cause stomach upset and irritation. The amount of borax I use in taxidermy is minimal. There is wire inside that could be a choking hazard. Best solution- keep away from your domestic pets. Worst case scenario- the taxidermy critter poses minimal risk (I once heard of someone’s dog eating their taxidermied mouse. Left the stuffing and wire, ate all the skin!)
Q: How do I care for my new wet preserve?
Wet preservations are stored in glass jars and 90 proof isopropyl alcohol. I have them sit for 6 months before they go to market to ensure everything is settled. IF some of the liquid evaporates, it can be replaced with more isopropyl alcohol, which is available at most pharmacies.
If the liquid begins to turn light brown, that is natural. Many preservationists consider the liquid to be part of the specimen. However, this is YOUR specimen. If you would rather clear liquid, the old liquid can be carefully spilled out and replaced with new isopropyl alcohol.
IF choosing a new jar to store your specimen, ensure it is glass and has a firm seal. Plastics and a loose seal tend to lead to evaporation of the alcohol which can compromise the specimen and lead to potential rot and decay.
Q: I no longer want my item. What do I do with it?
I would recommend rehoming your creation. If you cannot find a new home, all natural items can be returned to the earth to continue their process of decay.
All bones used in displays and jewelry are non-toxic. Any metal jewelry can be removed and the bones can be returned anywhere outdoors.
Taxidermy and wet specimens have been treated with chemicals. If animals in the wild came upon them, they could get sick. I would recommend burial.
In my opinion, all natural items should be returned to nature. You are now this item’s owner and caretaker. For natural items that I have worked with, I never throw remnants or remains in the garbage. Landfills are filled with plastic that impedes the process of decay. Nature knows best.
Q: You know you’re a weirdo, right?
I am happy with the person that I am.
I am thankful to share that I generally receive much community and welcome for the work that I do. I am proud of the strange person that I have always been and feel comfortable sharing my unique and unconventional art and outlooks with the world.
For those that wish to insult me, I do have a ko-fi account (https://ko-fi.com/backriverlady). Insult tax is triple the tip amount.
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