Specimen Care & Preservation FAQ

Care needs vary with the material, age, condition, and preparation of each piece. Contact Doug'sOddsNEnds for preparation details about your purchase before using moisture, cleaners, or any treatment. This guide does not promise that a specimen is sterile or pest-proof.

How do I dust a taxidermy mount?

Doug's practical tip for sturdy furred mounts is to use a clean, dry pair of pantyhose, lightly wiping with the direction of the fur without rubbing or pulling. Stop if it catches or hair comes loose. Do not use this method on feathers, fragile or shedding fur, exposed claws, teeth, or delicate repairs. Ask us about your particular piece if you are unsure.

For other surfaces, use a soft, dry brush only where the material is stable. Avoid vigorous brushing, compressed air, vacuum suction directly on the specimen, and household cleaning sprays.

How do I clean bones, skulls, antlers, and claws?

Start with gentle dry dusting. Support the piece and take care around teeth, thin bone, sharp edges, and glued parts. Do not soak, scrub, whiten, oil, or apply solvents. Ask us how the item was prepared before trying a damp cloth or other cleaning method.

Where should I display or store specimens?

Choose a stable indoor location away from direct sunlight, heaters, damp areas, and frequent temperature changes. Keep specimens away from children and pets. For storage, support fragile parts without compressing fur or feathers; use a clean, protective container and inspect periodically. Do not seal a damp specimen into storage.

What about sunlight and humidity?

Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep conditions stable rather than letting specimens become very damp or excessively dry. If you see condensation, mold, cracking, or lifting hide, contact a taxidermist or natural history conservator. If a piece gets wet, seek item-specific advice promptly rather than using direct heat to dry it.

How do I help prevent moth or beetle damage?

Inspect new acquisitions before placing them near your collection. Keep display and storage areas clean, and check beneath and behind specimens for insects, shed larval skins, gritty debris, new holes, or thinning fur or feathers. Protective display cases can help limit exposure, but regular inspection still matters.

What if moths are damaging my mount?

Separate the affected piece from other specimens and textiles promptly. If it is dry and can be enclosed without damage, contain it in a clean bag or rigid container while arranging advice. Contact a professional taxidermist or conservator for identification and treatment. Do not rely on cedar to stop an infestation, apply mothballs or insecticides to the mount, or attempt freezing or heat treatment without specialist guidance.

What should I do about an odor?

Odor alone cannot tell you whether a specimen is properly prepared or safe. Contact us about a new, strong, musty, persistent, or worsening smell, particularly if you also notice dampness or visible changes. Do not mask it with perfume, air fresheners, oils, or cleaning sprays. A specialist may need to assess the piece.

How should I handle real bones and claws?

Support specimens from their base or strongest part, not by ears, tails, claws, teeth, or other projecting parts. Watch for sharp edges and loose pieces. Wash your hands after handling and avoid touching your face or food during handling. Keep small or sharp specimens away from children and pets. Ask us about preparation rather than assuming any natural specimen is sterile.

When should I contact a specialist?

Seek help for active insects, suspected mold, persistent strong odor, loose skin or hair, cracking, water exposure, unstable repairs, or structural damage. Fragile, antique, or unknown-preparation specimens should be assessed before cleaning or treatment.

For information about a piece purchased from Doug'sOddsNEnds, contact us. We can share the preparation details we know and help you decide when specialist advice is needed.