Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of your taxidermy pieces for generations.
Optimal Display Environment
The environment where your taxidermy is displayed significantly impacts its preservation. Thoughtful placement can prevent many common forms of deterioration.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Always display your taxidermy in a cool, dry place. High humidity can lead to mold growth, material deterioration, and attract pests, while extreme temperatures can cause cracking or shrinkage of the skin and other components. Avoid placing pieces near heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or vents.
Protection from Light
Keep your taxidermy away from direct sunlight and strong artificial lights. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are incredibly damaging, causing irreversible fading, bleaching, and material degradation over time. Position pieces away from windows whenever possible to avoid this type of sun damage. Even indirect sunlight over long periods can cause significant discoloration.
Physical Protection and Barriers
Getting a glass dome or display case is arguably the single best investment you can make for your taxidermy. This protective barrier offers multiple benefits:
- Dust Protection: It prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt, which can be challenging to remove and can attract pests.
- Wear & Tear: It shields the piece from accidental bumps, scrapes, and general handling, preserving delicate features.
- Pet Safety: It provides an effective barrier against curious or mischievous pets that might otherwise damage the specimen.
- Environmental Stability: A sealed case helps to create a more stable micro-environment, buffering against rapid fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Routine cleaning is vital to prevent dust buildup and detect early signs of damage or pest infestation, ensuring your taxidermy remains pristine.
Gentle Dusting
Dust is not only unsightly but can also become abrasive and attract pests.
- Use a soft, clean brush (such as a soft artist's paintbrush, cosmetic brush, or feather duster).
- Brush very gently in the direction of the fur or feathers.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, water, or abrasive cloths, as these can damage the delicate surfaces.
- For intricate or delicate areas, a can of compressed air can be used from a distance to dislodge dust, but use with caution to avoid dislodging small parts.
Pest Prevention
Pests like moths, carpet beetles, and dermestid beetles pose a significant threat, as they feed on natural fibers.
- Regular Inspection: Frequently check your taxidermy, especially in crevices and underneath, for signs of pests such as small holes, frass (insect droppings that look like fine dust), or actual insects.
- Cleanliness: Keep the surrounding area clean and free of debris that could harbor pests.
- Professional Help: If an infestation is suspected, consult a professional conservator or a reputable taxidermist immediately. For small items, freezing can be an effective treatment, but it requires careful execution to avoid damage.
- While some traditional deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets can be used nearby, ensure they do not directly touch the specimen, as their oils could potentially cause staining or damage. For more on pest management, see resources from institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Handling Your Taxidermy
Always handle taxidermy with extreme care to prevent damage. They are often more fragile than they appear.
- Support: Always support the base or the strongest part of the piece when moving it. Avoid holding by limbs, tails, ears, or other delicate features, as these can easily break off or be damaged.
- Gloves: Consider wearing clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or moisture from your hands to the specimen.
When to Seek Professional Restoration
For significant damage, deterioration, or suspected pest infestations that you cannot manage, a professional taxidermy restorer or conservator is the best resource.
Signs You Might Need a Professional
- Extensive fur or feather loss.
- Cracking or splitting of the hide/skin.
- Visible pest damage (e.g., numerous moth holes).
- Serious structural damage or parts breaking off.
- Mold or mildew growth that cannot be gently brushed away.
- Significant fading or discoloration that affects the aesthetic.
Reputable conservators have the expertise and specialized tools to safely repair and stabilize your cherished piece, preserving its integrity and beauty for the future. You can often find accredited conservators through organizations like the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).
Quick Reference Guide: Do's and Don'ts
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Display in a cool, dry place | Expose to direct sunlight or harsh light |
| Use a glass dome or display case | Place near heat sources or fireplaces |
| Dust gently with a soft brush | Use water, harsh chemicals, or aerosols |
| Inspect regularly for pests | Handle roughly or by delicate parts |
| Seek professional help for major damage | Attempt DIY repairs on significant issues |
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your taxidermy remains a beautiful and well-preserved piece for many years to come.
