Not Your Grandpa's Kinda Taxidermy

[Ziggy Moon]

So since it first came on I've been watching the TV show, "Oddities" - anyone else?<br><br>I'm intrigued by the show, but in particular, I'm most intrigued by one aspect of the show that could prove be a lucrative hobby.<br><br>Has anyone heard of, or hopefully have experience in "<em>Articulated Skeletons</em>" - Animal/Reptile Skeletons that is. Maybe some will think of this as being 'Weird' I guess, but to me, this is no more weird than the age old art of Taxidermy.&nbsp;<br><br> Anyway guys, I've tried researching this subject trying my best to find more info - but there is very little out there, specifically a good step-by-step instruction/how to manual. Also, I'm not sure if this would be a hobby that is all that compatible with being on the road. Yet it could be done elsewhere, with finished displays being carried in my van (smaller displays of course) to make money somewhere on the road (flea markets, craft shows, fellow travelers, etc).<br><br>My hope is that someone here shares a similar interest, and even more, someone has experience in this and can help or direct me in learning more.<br><br><strong>An Articulated Toad Skeleton</strong><br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd390/hddotson/ToadSkeleton.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[user 423]

As long as you stayed with smaller animals it could be done on the road. If it's very time consuming the prices you would have to charge may be a bit high for general interest. I think what would be cool is to combine real animal skulls and other bones with assembled metal pieces to make a sci-fi type bionic hybrid. Or maybe have the little creatures riding motorcycles or playing a guitar,etc.<br><br><br>http://theboneman.com/<br><br>

 

[Willy]

Here:&nbsp; http://io9.com/the-worlds-most-awkward-taxidermy-509470092&nbsp; ..Willy. I dunno.. getting a 404, but it works on other sites. Maybe a mod can fix it or it might just work for someone else. I'll leave it up for now.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

@ <strong>slowday</strong> - I agree, and that does sound cool - in a Dr. Frankenstein kinda way, lol. Similar to the Jackalope, only created with just the bones;<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://www.cryptomundo.com/wp-content/uploads/jackalope1.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br> <br><br>@ <strong>Willy</strong> - I got to it by just copying and pasting the......&nbsp; io9.com/the-worlds-most-awkward-taxidermy-509470092 ........ (without using the http://).<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd390/hddotson/Raccon.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>LOL, Not quite what I was looking to do - But thanks for the laugh, Willy!

 

[Ziggy Moon]

I'd like to clarify, "<strong><em>I would never take the life of any animal/reptile for the purposes of creating an Articulated Skeleton</em></strong>" ..... My thought is that many specimens can be found as a result of roadkill, natural causes, etc. - although, I'm thinking that collecting such specimens on Federal and State Properties, is more than likely illegal. Anyone know?<br><span id="post_message_1278170318"><strong><br><br>An Articulated Rattle Snake Skeleton</strong></span><br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd390/hddotson/snake.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[highdesertranger]

well as far as road kill goes I would think you would end up with a pretty messed up skeleton.&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't now why you are apologizing.&nbsp; if you kill, and eat the&nbsp;critter what's wrong with using the skin and skeleton.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Zil]

It is illegal in USA to have possession of any or any part of migratory species. Some states allow "harvesting" of other road kill. I don't know of any that regulate "vermin".

 

[Ziggy Moon]

@ <strong>highdesertranger</strong> - I agree, roadkill would not be the best choice for making a perfect specimen... but parts may be useful when feeling creative - ie., The Jackalope! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>No I wasn't apologizing for killing an animal for food (I've hunted and raised livestock for food) - I was just clarifying that I would not kill an animal for the sole purpose of using it's bones to put together an articulated skeleton.... Now, If I happen to kill an animal for food - then yes, I could choose to make use of that skeleton, and wouldn't give it a second thought. <br><br>Example; I've ate frog legs, but don't care for it enough to go out frog gigging, so I guess unless I find an already dead frog, I won't be choosing to kill one for the sake of a hobby. That's just Me!<br><br><br><br>@ <strong>Zil</strong> - Yep! I'd definitely be careful to research the laws regarding any such animals.... also, if I found a dead gator on the side of the road here in Florida, I honestly doubt I'd take the chance in carrying it home... but an articulated alligator would be very cool.&nbsp; <br><br><br><br><strong>Thanks for the Input Guys!</strong>

 

[highdesertranger]

zil has a good point.&nbsp; it is also illegal to posses non game animal parts.&nbsp; I know of this first hand.&nbsp; I found some red tail hawk feathers so I&nbsp;picked&nbsp;them up and put them in my hat band.&nbsp; well some time later when I was out hiking I ran into mr. fish and game.&nbsp; oh my you would have thought I just killed a bald eagle&nbsp;he read me the riot act and told me to get rid of them.&nbsp; I said ok.&nbsp; he just stood there and stared at me.&nbsp; I said, you mean now,&nbsp; he just nodded.&nbsp; so I pulled them out of my hat band and threw them on the ground.&nbsp; he said ok and let me go.&nbsp; lesson learned.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Ziggy Moon]

@ highdesertranger - You got a break on a big fine..... ya should have told him you were a Native American from a Federally recognized tribe (which you may be?). <br><br>Nah, even if they do seem ridiculous, I guess I can understand those feather laws in a way - sort of like Ivory.

 

[highdesertranger]

yes he could have stuck it to me.&nbsp; I kinda see were they are coming from.&nbsp; no not native American.&nbsp; but I am a native redneck hippy.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Yep! I have plenty Redneck and Hippie cousins up in GA and NC, but I think I inherited more of the Hippie gene than the Redneck gene. Yet, I would think either one should be enough to warrant a federal approval to collect a bird feather... <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">