Fur???

[sc00ter4900]

Hello I was wondering where you go to get info on what to do with the fur? Im sure it must stink after awile? what do you do? Im new to this but interested in the whole thing. Im still researching before I go all out . Thanks Scotty

 

[tleventer]

We're planning on making a blanket first and then seeing wht comes up. Right now, because we're tanning our own and it takes not only room but appropriate temps to do, all our furs go into the freezer to wait tilt he time is right.

 

[anthonyjames]

I have found someone to purchase them from me. 2 times a month he comes and takes everything. I salt them for him and that is about it. He pays $5 per fur. Normally leaves with 20 - 30 at a crack.

Can't complain with that.

 

[houndit]

I tanned some once. I used a solution of 1 gallon of water, 1 pound of salt and 4 ounces of new unused battery acid. I soaked them in it. I then rinsed them in borax and water to stop the work on the hide. I then stapled them to a board bettered them and tried to keep them soft. Most of them worked fine. My main trouble was just keeping them soft.

 

[Dennis]

You mean Hides don't you?
When I saw fur I though you meant
what you have left when you brush your rabbits.
Dennis, C.V.R.

 

[sc00ter4900]

You mean Hides don't you?
When I saw fur I though you meant
what you have left when you brush your rabbits.
Dennis, C.V.R.

LOL Thanks ,like I said I was doing some reaserch and dont want anything going to waste. You probly know how to do it step by step ? Is there a guied on how to take care of hides on the net? I havn't found one yet. Scotty

 

[sc00ter4900]

I tanned some once. I used a solution of 1 gallon of water, 1 pound of salt and 4 ounces of new unused battery acid. I soaked them in it. I then rinsed them in borax and water to stop the work on the hide. I then stapled them to a board bettered them and tried to keep them soft. Most of them worked fine. My main trouble was just keeping them soft.

What did you finally do to keep them soft? What did you make out of them?
Thanks Scotty

 

[houndit]

Some were sort of soft. You have to keep moving them and stretching them constantly. I would recommend only doing a few at first. I did to many and most were not very good. I made a muff for a friend. I hope to tan some more eventually.

 

[JoieDeViveRabbitry]

I don't tan mine. I simply Salt them to dry and preserve.
I only have the occasional hide to deal with and when I do, I tend to use them as baby snugglers when I am hand rearing kits. They really love snuggling into real angora...

I would love to make a blanket or something with pelts eventually...

 

[koonaone]

I see this is an old post but you might find this hint useful.

When you have rubbed the borax in and a little oil and they are dry and still a little stiff, put them under your couch cushions or bed mattress. (they say newlyweds beds are best) Rearrange them once in a while.

The longer they are left there the more supple they get.

Rabbit hide is very weak. Some indians used to do a 4 strand flat braid of 2" twisted strips, then weave that into blankets. The best were made of marmot though, much tougher.